It’s an established fact that a metal roof will provide your home with unparalleled durability and longevity. But in order to take your metal roof’s performance to the next level, you should consider the advantages of incorporating a metal roof drip edge.
This essential component not only enhances the aesthetics of your roof, but contributes to better metal roof insulation in general. Let’s dive into the benefits of a metal roof drip edge, and discover how it can complement your roofing system.
What exactly is a metal roof drip edge?
A metal roof drip edge is a small– but crucial– feature that plays a significant role in safeguarding your roofing structure.
A drip edge is essentially an angled piece of metal that’s installed along the edges of your roof, helping to channel water away from the roof and into the gutters– preventing water from seeping beneath the roofing materials and causing moisture issues.
Drip edges are made from durable materials, like aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel, which means that (like your metal roof itself!) they’ll withstand the elements and last for many, many years to come.
Water Protection
A properly installed drip edge helps to prevent water infiltration, which directs rainwater away from the edges of the roof. If water is allowed to infiltrate the roof, this can lead to moisture damage– which can have a negative impact on the interior of your home, but also compromises the effectiveness of your metal roof’s insulation.
If the metal roofing system is allowed to remain dry, your insulation will remain intact and fully functional.
Minimized heat transfer
Heat transfer occurs especially during the warm summer months, when heat is transferred from the hot air outside into the house through the walls or roof.
In warmer climates, heat transfer can become a major problem. A metal roof drip edge helps to create an additional barrier against heat penetration. It functions as a thermal break, which works to prevent direct transfer of heat from the sun and hot air to the roofing materials and insulation.
This thermal barrier helps to ensure a stable indoor temperature, which greatly reduces the load on your HVAC system, keeping your energy bills low and manageable throughout the year.
Prevention of ice dams
In the winter, the process of freezing and thawing snow and ice can wreak havoc on your roof. Sometimes, something called an ice dam might occur. This is when ice forms at the edge of your roof, preventing water from draining off of the roof properly, and it can become a major hassle.
When an ice dam forms, water backs up and can infiltrate your home even if you have great insulation. Having a metal roof drip edge installed can prevent an ice dam from forming in the first place, which makes sure that water can drain properly, keeping it out of the roofing materials and insulation.
How can I choose the right metal roof drip edge?
Investing in a drip edge for your metal roof is a small investment, but it can have major returns– especially if it helps you avoid costly repairs or energy bills. It’s useful for channeling water away from the edge of the roof and enhancing insulation efficiency, and it can help your metal roofing system and insulation last much longer, no matter what kind of climate you live in.
If you’ve got questions about the metal roof installation process, or are interested in how a drip edge might benefit your roofing system, give us a call today!