"GB" wrote
Hi,

I am getting reroofing bids for my 25 year old house, and I have gotten
conflicting advice regarding installation of drip edge.

The first roofer told me he does not recommend installing it because it
is not necessary when the shingles are installed properly, and can cause
the shingles not to lay straight if the underlying roof structure has
irregularities.

The second roofer said that was nonsense, and they always install drip
edge.

Both of these roofers have highest ratings in a local consumer ratings
service (Washington Checkbook).

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Drip edge "is" neccessary, depending on a lot of circumstances. For
instance, if your structure has a aluminum or such covering, the drip
covers the top edge of it. If drip edge isn't installed, you will get
blown, or dripping infiltration which will eventually cause substantial
damage.

There are different types of drip edge. Do _not_ let anyone install a "c"
channel drip edge, under any circumstances. I could write pages on why not
to have this type of drip edge. Even in my area, city localities will not
let this type of drip edge installed.

As far as the first roofer telling you his version. I say BS, and this is
coming from someone that had close to 30 years in the business.

Drip edge isn't really isn't "cheap", as some others have said. It's priced
about 28 cents a lineal foot, at suppliers in my area. If you have a hip
style home, it adds up fast. But, having an after-thought about getting it
installed after a new roof is installed, is too late.

As a side note: Shingles are supposed to over hang the drip edge, never
even with it.