Faith Group

Every home needs a robust roof that is well-protected. One of the most significant sections of the roof that keeps water out is the drip edge extension. Some people want to know if they can do it themselves, while others would rather employ a professional. You may make the best choice for your home and budget if you know the benefits and cons of doing it yourself and hiring a pro.

What does a drip edge extension do?

A drip edge extension is a piece of metal flashing that runs around the edge of a roof. It goes a bit past the fascia to help rain and melting snow flow into the gutters. This keeps water from getting behind the gutters, which can rot wood, create mold, and harm the roof deck. Aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper are the most common materials used to make drip edges. They have both a practical and an aesthetic role in roofing systems.

The Good and the Bad of Doing It Yourself

Advantages of doing it yourself

1. Lowering costs

If you do the work yourself, you can save money on labor costs. This can be a lot of money when you hire a professional roofer. Installing your own roof saves money up front for homeowners that are comfortable utilizing simple tools and doing roof work.

2. Being ability to change

You can work on your own timetable without having to wait for contractors. This is great if you don't have a lot of time.

3. Doing Things to Learn

If you put your roof on yourself, you'll learn more about it, which will help you fix and keep it up in the future.

Why you shouldn't install it yourself

1. Risk of a Bad Installation

If you don't line things up well or don't have enough overlap, water can get into the roof edge, which defeats the purpose of the drip edge extension.

2. Worries about safety

It's perilous to work on roofs. Climbing ladders and working at heights can be deadly if safety standards aren't followed.

3. What equipment and supplies you need

You need special tools like roofing nails, metal cutters, and safety gear to put in a drip edge extension. If you don't already have these tools, the expenditures can pile quickly.

4. Takes a long time

For beginners, installing a drip edge extension could take longer than they thought, which could make them mad or cause them to make mistakes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hiring a Pro to Install

Advantages of hiring an expert

1. Understanding and Accuracy

Professionals know how to put in a drip edge extension the appropriate manner, which makes sure that water runs properly into the gutters and decreases the danger of leaks.

2. Time Management

A qualified roofer can put up a roof fast, which saves homeowners time and work.

3. Safety

Professional roofers have the necessary tools and expertise to operate safely at heights, which makes accidents less likely.

4. Promise and Assurance

A lot of roofers offer guarantees on their work, so you don't have to worry if something goes wrong.

Reasons Not to Hire a Professional

1. More expensive at first

Labor costs might make the cost of installation go up, which can be a lot more than doing it yourself.

2. Making plans

You might have to wait for a contractor to be free, which could make your project take longer.

The Drip Edge Extension is Most Important in the Roofing

The drip edge extension needs to be fitted in the appropriate spot along the edge of the roof, whether you do it yourself or pay someone else. The fascia should protrude out at least half an inch so that water can flow directly into the gutters. At least two inches of each segment must overlap to keep leaks from happening. Even a well-installed drip edge can fail if you don't pay attention to these things. This shows how vital it is to be exact.

Advice for a Successful Installation

• Be attentive when you measure; accurate measurements keep things from being out of place or having gaps.

• Choose the correct material: Aluminum is light and won't rust, galvanized steel is robust, and copper looks great.

• Use the correct fasteners: The flashing must be held tightly in place by roofing nails or screws so that it can stand up to wind and rain.

• Follow safety rules: When working on steep rooftops, wear shoes that don't slip, use a secure ladder, and think about using a harness.

Maintenance after installation

It's crucial to keep up with your drip edge extension, whether you did it yourself or hired someone else to do it:

• Once a year, look at the edges and nails to determine if they are rusty or worn out.

• Keep your gutters clean so that water may flow freely.

• To keep water out, fix or replace broken pieces straight away.

The End

You can choose to install a drip edge extension yourself or hire a pro based on your experience, comfort level, and budget. You can save money and learn by doing things yourself, but you might make mistakes and put your safety at danger. At first, hiring a professional to do the work costs extra, but it guarantees that the work will be done right, safely, and without worry. To keep your roof safe, make it last longer, and keep water damage from happening, you need to install and maintain it correctly. A drip edge extension is a minor cost that will save you a lot of money and keep your home safe in the long term.