How much does a drip edge cost to install?
How much does a drip edge cost to install?
$1.50 – $3.00 cost per linear foot installed
$150 – $600 average total cost to install (100 – 200 LF)
Cost to install a drip edge
Drip edges cost $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot installed or $150 to $600 on average when reroofing a house. Installing drip edges on an existing roof costs $5 to $9 per linear foot, depending on the material. Most drip edge flashing is aluminum—other metals like copper cost more.
| Installation type | Cost per linear foot | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|---|
| Installing drip edge during roof replacement | $1.50 – $3.00 | $150 – $600 |
| Installing drip edge on existing roof | $5.00 – $9.00 | $500 – $1,800 |
| Installing gutter apron | $2.00 – $5.00 | $200 – $1,000 |
| Installing rake edges | $3.00 – $5.50 | $300 – $1,100 |
*Based on 100 to 200 linear feet.
Drip edge cost factors
Drip edges cost $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot installed on average, depending on the length, material type, and roof complexity.
| Factor | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Labor | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Total cost to install | $1.50 – $3.00 |
*For installation during reroofing on a 1-story home.
Common cost factors include:
Roof size – Large roofs need longer drip edges, increasing costs.
Roof layout – Multi-story homes, steep roof pitches, and complex roof designs increase labor costs.
Materials – Aluminum and steel cost less than copper.
Drip edge type – Prices vary for specialty drip-edge colors, types, and shapes.
Retrofits vs. new installs – Putting new drip edge on existing roofs costs 3 times as much as drip edge installation during roof replacement. Roof replacement costs $4,700 to $10,500.
Repairing eaves – Fascia and soffit replacement costs $9 to $34 per linear foot.
Fascia and soffit repair costs $500 to $2,600, depending on the condition and repair method.
Extra roof damages – Roof repair costs $150 to $1,000 on average for fixing a minor leak, replacing shingles, or additional flashing repairs.
Gutter leaks – Gutter repair costs $100 to $450 on average.
Gutter maintenance – Gutter cleaning costs $100 to $250 on average.
Upgrading gutters – Gutter replacement costs $6 to $17 per linear foot.
Installation methods – Some drip edges need mounting on top of additional furring strips to direct roof runoff into the gutters.
Labor cost to install a drip edge
The labor cost to install a drip edge is $1 to $2 per linear foot during a roof replacement or new roof installation. Retrofitting drip edge onto an existing roof costs $3 to $7 per linear foot for labor, depending on if the bottom shingles need replacing.
| Installation type | Labor cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| During roof replacement / new roof build | $1 – $2 |
| Retrofitting on existing roof | $3 – $7 |
*Prices excluding materials.
Drip edge prices by material
Drip edge material prices are $0.50 to $1.00 per linear foot on average or up to $9.50 per linear foot for copper.
The best drip edge materials are aluminum and galvanized steel.
Plastic or vinyl drip edges are typically for doors and windows instead of roofing.
| Material | Price per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Galvanized steel | $0.50 – $1.25 |
| Copper | $4.00 – $9.50 |
| Plastic / vinyl | $0.50 – $1.00 |
*Not including labor.
Drip edge cost by style
Drip edge materials cost $0.50 to $1.00 on average or up to $2.50 per linear foot, depending on the style, shape, and size.
| Type | Material cost per linear foot | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Type-C | $0.50 – $1.00 |
|
| Type-D | $0.50 – $1.00 |
|
| Type-F | $0.75 – $2.50 |
|
*Prices excluding installation.
Other types of roof drip edge
Other types of roof drip edges include gutter aprons and rake edges. While installed differently, they also protect the wooden roof framing from water damages. The type of drip edge needed depends on the roof structure.
| Flashing type | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Gutter apron | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Rake edge / gable flashing | $3.00 – $5.50 |
*Total installed cost.
Gutter apron cost
Gutter apron installation costs $2 to $5 per linear foot, or $200 to $1,000 on average. A gutter apron is typically larger than common drip edges to offer more rainwater protection behind the gutters.
Low-sloped roofs and those in climates with heavy rainfall benefit most from gutter aprons.
Rake edge vs. drip edge
Rake edge roof flashing costs $3.00 to $5.50 per linear foot installed or $300 to $1,100 on average. Contractors install rake edges along the roof’s diagonal gable ends, unlike most drip edges that go on horizontal eaves. Other names for rake edge are “gable flashing” or “gable trim caps.”
Most drip edges must go under the roof underlayment, but rake edges go over the roof underlayment.
What is a drip edge on a roof?
A drip edge on a roof is the metal or plastic PVC flashing that covers the top of the roof’s end. A drip edge sends rainwater from the wooden roof framing into the gutters to protect the roof.
Why do you need a drip edge?
You do need a drip edge on all roofs with gutters in most states to:
Prevent leaks and roof water damage
Keep pests out of the attic
Protect against wind damage
Increase the roof’s lifespan
Prevent ice dams
Improve roof drainage to the gutters
Do metal roofs need a drip edge?
You don’t always need drip edge for metal roofs with overhangs longer than 1”, according to building codes. However, roofing pros still recommend a metal roof drip edge for extra protection against water damage.
When to install a drip edge?
Install a drip edge when replacing the roof or during re-roofing. Retrofitting new drip edges on an existing roof is less effective, increases labor time, and adds roof-leak risks.
How much drip edge do I need?
You need a drip edge in the same length as your roof’s perimeter, or the total gutter length. Measure the total length and add 10% for overlapping pieces and wastage.
How much overlap should drip edge have?
Drip edges should overlap 2 to 4 inches onto the roof, depending on local building codes. The vertical drip-edge face should hang down more than 0.25 to 0.50 inches over the roof edge. Variations of these standards apply in hurricane-prone areas.
How long is a piece of drip edge?
A piece of drip edge is 5’ to 12’ long, depending on the material and manufacturer. The most common size is 10’ long. The overhang length is 2” to 6” on average.
What is the recommended gauge of drip edge?
The recommended gauge of drip edge is a 24- to 36-gauge thickness, depending on the material, local climate, and local building codes. Thicker drip edges are best for roofs in high-wind regions.
Finding and hiring a roof repair contractor
Before hiring a roof repair company near you, be sure to:
Compare three or more in-person estimates.
Verify that they have a valid contractor’s license.
Ask if they are part of roofing organizations like the NRCA.
Find a licensed, insured, and bonded company with several years of experience.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Avoid the cheapest quotes that may signal low-quality work standards.
Ask for a copy of an itemized estimate and the warranty.
Avoid large upfront payments.
Questions to ask
How long have you been replacing roofing and drip edges?
Which types do you typically install?
Do you know local building codes for the drip edge sizes required on my roof?
Will you give me a free on-site estimate?
Can I see a list of your job references?
Will my gutters need replacing too, and how much extra does that cost?
Can you repair rotted fascia board or soffits before installation?
What are my options if I need to add drip edge to an existing roof?
Does your bid include all materials, labor, equipment, and cleanup?
Will I need new gutter guards?
How much more does second-story work cost?
What’s in your warranty, and how long should this drip edge type last?
How long will the project take?
Could any other extra fees for this job apply that aren’t in your bid?
If this job is part of a roof replacement, will you pull permits?