What Is Drip Edge?
Drip edge is a sheet metal flashing installed at the eave and rake edges of a sloped roof. It performs three simultaneous functions: directing water off the roof deck and away from the fascia, covering and protecting the exposed edge of the roof sheathing, and providing a surface to terminate the underlayment at the eave and rake. Without drip edge, water runs behind the fascia board, leading to rot, mold, and eventually structural damage to the rafter tails.
All asphalt shingle roofs are required to have drip edge under IRC R905.2.8.5. For eave applications, drip edge goes under the underlayment. For rake applications, it goes over the underlayment. The sequence matters — reversed installation is a common error on re-roofing jobs.
Standard Drip Edge Profiles
Type C (L-Style)
The simplest profile: a two-leg L-shape with a short top leg (typically 2"–3") that goes under the underlayment, and a face leg (typically 1½"–2½") that covers the fascia edge. Type C is appropriate for light commercial eaves where the fascia board height is covered and where wind-driven rain isn't a major concern. Its limitation is the short face leg, which doesn't adequately cover taller fascia boards, and the absence of a positive drip nose, which can allow water to wick back onto the fascia.
Type D (T-Style)
Type D adds a nose — a small outward-protruding extension at the bottom of the face leg — that creates a positive drip break away from the fascia. This single addition dramatically reduces fascia staining and moisture intrusion behind the drip edge. Many local building code amendments now require a Type D profile or equivalent on permitted roofing work. Use Type D as the default when budget isn't the primary constraint.
Type F (Wide-Face / Gutter Apron)
Type F extends the top leg to 4"–6" and drops a long face leg into the back of the gutter. This creates a sealed transition from roof deck to gutter, preventing wind-driven rain from bypassing the gutter. Use Type F on homes in high-rainfall or high-wind climates, on new construction where the architect calls for a sealed eave detail, and on any job where the gutter position requires the face leg to reach into the gutter back.
When You Need Custom Drip Edge
Custom drip edge is needed in several common scenarios that stock profiles can't handle:
- Tall fascia boards — Standard drip edge face legs run 1½"–3". On a 2×6 or 2×8 fascia, or on custom millwork fascias of 4"–8", a custom profile with a matching face leg height is required to avoid a visible gap.
- Color-matched systems — Stock drip edge is typically available in white, brown, and mill finish. When the roofing system specifies a Kynar or PVDF color, custom drip edge in the matching color is needed.
- Non-standard top leg lengths — Wide decking overhangs, specific underlayment termination details, or architectural ridge details may require a top leg longer than the standard 2"–3".
- Combined drip edge and flashing profiles — Rake trim that terminates into a parapet, or eave trim at a recessed soffit, often requires a single piece that combines drip edge and flashing geometry.
Dimensions That Matter
| Dimension | What It Controls | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Top leg length | How far under the underlayment it extends | 2"–6" |
| Face leg height | How much of the fascia face is covered | 1½"–8" (custom) |
| Drip nose depth | How far water is kicked away from fascia | ½"–¾" typical |
| Hem return | Edge stiffness and safety | ½" standard |
Materials and Thicknesses
| Material | Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | .032" | Light commercial, profiles up to 3" face |
| Aluminum | .040" | Wide-face profiles (4"+), commercial, color-matched Kynar |
| Galvanized steel | 26 ga. | Light commercial where paint protection is acceptable |
| Galvalume steel | 26 ga. | Residential where better bare corrosion resistance is needed |
How Trimgy Handles Drip Edge
For standard profiles, Trimgy's AI can draft the cross-section from a description: "Type D drip edge, 3" top leg, 4" face leg, positive drip nose, .040 aluminum". For non-standard profiles, you draw the legs point-to-point on the 1/4" grid — the drawing engine snaps to grid, so every dimension is precise. Roofing contractors who need a color-matched drip edge for a Kynar roof system can specify the profile in minutes and have a complete price with freight in seconds.
The biggest time savings on drip edge orders is for jobs with non-standard fascia heights. Previously, contractors had to call the shop, describe the non-standard leg, wait for a quote, and often re-call to clarify. On Trimgy, you draw the exact profile once and it transmits to fabrication without translation.
See our full guide to drip edge types →
Draw Your Drip Edge Profile on Trimgy
Custom face leg heights, Type F gutter apron, or non-standard profiles — describe it or draw it and get an instant price. Free to start.
Start Drawing Free →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Type C, D, and F drip edge?
Type C (L-style) is the simplest profile — a two-leg L-shape. Type D adds a positive drip nose at the bottom of the face leg. Type F extends the top leg to 4–6" and uses a long face leg that drops into the gutter back. Each successive type provides better water management at the cost of more material.
Does code require drip edge on asphalt shingle roofs?
Yes. IRC R905.2.8.5 requires drip edge at both eaves and rakes. Many local jurisdictions require a Type D profile or better. Always verify your local requirements before specifying Type C on permitted work.
When do I need custom drip edge instead of standard stock?
You need custom drip edge when the standard face leg doesn't cover your fascia height, when you need a color match not available in stock, when your detail requires non-standard top leg lengths, or when the eave/rake condition requires a combined drip-edge and flashing profile.
What gauge should I use for drip edge?
For aluminum: .032" for light commercial, .040" for wide-face profiles or commercial. For steel: 26 ga. for light commercial, 24 ga. for commercial. Heavier gauges resist oil-canning on wider profiles.
What is the typical price for custom drip edge?
Custom aluminum drip edge in .032" runs $2.50–$4.50/LF for material. Wider profiles or Kynar paint run $5–$8/LF. Add LTL freight ($0.50–$1.50/LF depending on order size and delivery distance).