Glossary of Terms – Drip Edges
In Chicago, you may have noticed small strips tucked along the edges of roofs or walls. These are called drip edges, and they play an important role in protecting buildings from water damage.
To understand drip edges and how they’re used, it helps to know the terminology. Here, we’ve compiled a glossary of drip edge terms to help you dig deeper into the subject. If you have any questions or want professional input regarding your own drip edges, don’t hesitate to contact our masonry specialists today.
Drip Edge
A drip edge is a simple architectural feature designed to manage water. It’s a thin piece of material usually made of metal, brick, or concrete that builders install at the edges of a roof or wall where water could otherwise seep into a building. Without a drip edge, rainwater would seep into places it shouldn’t, like under roofs or into walls, eventually causing the building to erode.
There are two main types of drip edges in Chicago: brick drip edges and concrete drip edges.
Brick Drip Edge
One of the most common types of drip edges in Chicago is a brick drip edge. These are often found on masonry walls or around windows and are integrated into the brickwork. A brick drip edge typically protrudes slightly from the face of the brick wall, forcing rainwater to drip away from the surface instead of running down the wall. Without a brick drip edge, water would be able to erode mortar joints, stain bricks, and eventually compromise the wall’s integrity.
If you’re working on a historic brick building in Chicago that’s missing brick drip edges, it could be a sign that you need masonry restoration.
Concrete Drip Edge
For more heavy-duty needs or in newer buildings, you’ll often see concrete drip edges. Just like the ones made of brick, these are small, sloped concrete lips at the edge of roofs or walls that are designed to channel water away from the building. A concrete drip edge detail usually includes a slight overhang and slope to guide water safely away from areas where it’s not wanted. Contractors will often pay attention to these details because if the alignment isn’t correct, it can lead to pooling water or erosion. In Chicago, where heavy rainstorms can be common in summer, a well-designed concrete drip edge can prevent damage to the face of the building over time.
Roof Flashing
Another term that comes up alongside drip edges is roof flashing. Flashing is a broader category that includes different water protective materials, usually metal, that are installed at roof joints, chimneys, or skylights. A drip edge is actually a type of drip edge flashing, meaning it’s a specific form of roof flashing designed to go at an edge. Flashing is what makes sure water flows away from vulnerable areas instead of seeping into a building. You might hear roofers refer to it as metal flashing, since, in addition to concrete and brick, drip edges can also be made of galvanized steel or aluminum.
Drip Edge Flashing
When you hear someone say drip edge flashing, they usually mean the combined function of a drip edge and flashing. It’s the strip that’s installed along the perimeter of the roof and tucked under shingles in order to prevent water from leaking in.
A drip edge flashing does a few things. It protects roofs from water damage, directs water into gutters away from a building’s foundation, and helps prevent rain that’s driven sideways by wind from getting under roofs. Installing a drip edge flashing is standard in new construction, but older buildings in Chicago might not have it. That’s why retrofitting an old building with drip edge flashing can be a smart choice if you want to improve the structure’s longevity.
Metal Flashing
Metal flashing is a building material that’s typically made from aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel. It can serve as a drip edge on roofs, masonry caps, or around windows. In Chicago, metal flashing is chosen because it holds up well in harsh weather, including freezing winters and summer storms. Galvanized steel is a common choice because it resists rust, while aluminum is also popular for being lightweight and easy to install. Copper flashing is often chosen for historic buildings because it’s durable and develops a beautiful patina over time. Though not all drip edges are metal, many are.
Drip Edge in Masonry Construction
When we talk about drip edges in masonry, we’re usually referring to ledges, window sills, or coping caps that are designed to protect walls from water damage. Here are a few additional terms you might encounter.
Coping Drip Edge
This is the uppermost layer of a masonry wall, often sloped slightly to shed water. It can include a concrete or stone drip edge.
Window Drip Edge
A window drip edge is a small lip above a window that prevents water from running down the frame or into the wall.
Masonry Drip Edge Detail
This is the specific design of a drip edge that makes sure water runs away from unwanted areas. Even small miscalculations in these details can lead to water intrusion and damage, so contractors often refer to these as part of their waterproofing strategy.
Common Installation Terms
Here are a few terms related to installing drip edges that you might hear on a construction site. Understanding these terms can help you communicate with contractors, read building plans, or spot areas that might need to be repaired.
Underlayment
This is the roofing material that’s installed beneath the shingles. The drip edge is often tucked under this layer to direct water over the edge.
Fasteners
Fasteners refer to the nails or screws that are used to secure metal flashing or drip edges to the roof deck.
Overlap
Metal drip edges are often installed with a slight overlap to prevent gaps where water could seep in.
Slope
The angle of a concrete drip edge or roof flashing that encourages water to drip away from the building is called the slope.
Learn More About Drip Edges With Jagra Masonry
Understanding these drip edge terms can help you make the best choices for your next project. If you have any questions or want the opinion of an expert, Jagra Masonry can help.