Whether you have a shingle roof or modern metal roofing, your roof remains one of the most important components of your structure. It stands up to pounding from wind, rain, hail, and temperature extremes – and the rest of your home depends on it.
The roof has an especially tough job to do in communities that experience heavy snow. Why? Rain should run off a roof fast if it's well-maintained and has the right pitch and material. However, snow can sit on a roof for hours and makes for a heavy burden.
Depending on its moisture content, snow may weigh up to 60 pounds per cubic foot. Although most snow is a bit lighter – think 20 pounds – it only takes a little math to see how hard your roof works.
Add hail and icy rain and the situation gets even more serious.
Luckily, one component can help your roof endure: A metal drip edge.
What is a Metal Drip Edge and How Does It Protect Your Home?
A metal drip edge is an add-on that can be installed on a range of roofs, including metal, shingle, rubber, or slate. They do your roof a big favor by steering water away from its edges. This protects underlying material, including the rake and fascia board.
It also ensures that weight is more evenly distributed and that water sluices off the roof as quickly as possible.
This is essential in two situations:
Lingering Snow During Storms
Snow can sit heavy on your roof for anywhere from a few hours to several days based on the prevailing conditions. However, that doesn't mean the temperature up on your roof is actually consistent. There are peaks and valleys, along with brief “micro-thaws.”
With a drip edge, you can rest assured that some moisture will be pulled away as soon as air starts to get a little warmer. It becomes less likely that weak points in the roof will develop into leaks. Plus, you're much safer from sudden roof collapse.
Heavy Rains Between Gutter Maintenance
Heavy rain is a fact of life in many areas of Texas, but it's not always obvious just how serious it can be for your roof. A modern metal roof is the best thing around when it comes to driving rain and hail away – it practically bounces right off. With other roofing materials, a little extra care is essential. Enter the drip edge.
Cleaning the gutters is one of those things everyone knows they should do, but it's rarely a top priority. When gutters aren't clear, however, water usually ends up spilling out and pooling at the foot of your home. This can erode your foundation – one of the biggest problems with aging structures.
Foundation issues reduce your home's value and could even make it unsafe!
While you'll still need to clean the gutters, a metal drip edge ensures moisture flows properly.
For custom metal drip edge installation in Austin, contact Longhorn Roofing today.
