Special offer

Asphalt shingles flashing requirements- The edge on the "Drip Edge"

By
Home Inspector with NCW Home Inspections, LLC

Asphalt shingles flashing requirements- The edge on the  "Drip Edge"

 

This has been a pet peeve of mine for a very long time. When installing a new roof covering many roofing contractors omitted the drip edge flashing. It was only required if the shingle manufacturer required it. These flashings are relatively cheap yet were often not installed in my area.

 

                                           

 

Now that is not the case, the 2012 IRC has now made it a requirement for asphalt shingle roofs to have a drip edge flashing installed, no exception.  All I can say it was about time.

 

There are various forms of these drip edges. I prefer what is called a "D" style drip edge that allows the shingle to overhang the facia a little farther.  Water does not always play nice so the "D" style give a little more space for gravity to overcome surface tension.

 

                      

 

So per the 2012 International Residential Code-

 

R905.2.8 Flashing. Flashing for asphalt shingles shall comply with this section

 

R905.2.8.5 Drip edge. (Bold and underline is mine)

 

A drip edge shall be provided at eaves and gables of shingle roofs. Adjacent pieces of drip edge shall be overlapped a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm). Drip edges shall extend a minimum of 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) below the roof sheathing and extend up the roof deck a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm). Drip edges shall be mechanically fastened to the roof deck at a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) o.c. with fasteners as specified in Section R905.2.5. Underlayment shall be installed over the drip edge along eaves and under the underlayment on gables. Unless specified differently by the shingle manufacturer, shingles are permitted to be flush with the drip edge.



Of course this is all good if done correctly. Not like this example.



            

 

Okay this will be fun when I am out in the world doing new construction inspections and phase inspections and see who is keeping up on the requirements, both builders and municipalities.

 

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

 

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

 

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

 

www.ncwhomeinspections.com                                               509-670-9572

Donny Carter
Carter & Roque Real Estate - Frostburg, MD
Mountain Maryland Real Estate Expert

Hi Donald- It's very obvious on the picture you provided.  I'm glad that there is now a code that makes sure it is completed correctly.  

Mar 26, 2014 12:14 AM
Donald Hester
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC

Donny, Yeah this is one of those things that many do not know about. For a while there I would just add info on that this flashing was omitted and more maintenance and monitoring will be needed. 

The next year will be interesting to see who does this or not.

Mar 26, 2014 12:21 AM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

Out here the 2012 IRC has not been adopted. Drip edge should be installed always, at least now there is something that says it must. 

Mar 28, 2014 11:03 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Fifteen years ago I begged my builder to put on a drip edge, and he refused.  Not code, you know.

And when I mentioned it on reports, I was ignored.  Not code, you know.

Now that it's code we'll see what happens!  Not so much yet.

Great post, Don.

Mar 29, 2014 06:58 PM
Donald Hester
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC

Jim, Yeah at least I have a bit of a foothold on this issue. I have always recommended it to my clients.

Jay, You just got to make use a shingle manufacturer that requires it ;)

Mar 30, 2014 12:33 AM