So you’re a homeowner and planning a DIY metal roofing installation. As you might anticipate, the most difficult part of the job is installing the trim correctly. Homeowners like you always ask us which piece of metal roofing trim should be installed first? Eave trim, also referred to as drip edge, is the first piece of trim that will be installed on your metal roof.
This step by step installation article specifically covers eave trim installation for an exposed fastener panel such as: ⅞” Corrugated, R Panel/PBR Panel, and Western Rib/7.2 Panel. It is not intended for installation of standing seam panels.
Easy to follow instructions and pictures that illustrate each step. This blog will answer all of your installation questions. We also have a video that will walk you through all of the steps.
Our staff at Western States Metal Roofing consists of employees who have experience selling and installing metal roofing. Our goal in this article is to take our 25 years of experience and share that knowledge, making your metal roof installation a breeze.
Our goal in this article is to explain:
If you enjoy this article then we recommend that you read this article also: How To Install Synthetic Underlayment On A Metal Roof
The purpose of a drip edge or eave trim is to divert rainwater off of the roof and away from the fascia. If you have a gutter it will direct the water into the center of the gutter. If the drip edge is not positioned correctly it can cause the gutters to overflow.
A drip edge will also make your roof look nicer as it provides a straight and clean line at the low side of your roof.
The eave trim will work in conjunction with your underlayment and it will keep water from blowing underneath your roof. In addition, there is a kick out at the edge of the eave trim that is designed to steer the water out and away from your property. The kick out prevents the water from dripping directly down the side of the fascia or wall.
So, the short answer is “Yes” your roof does need a drip edge. It makes the roof look cleaner, keeps the water from getting underneath your roof, protects your fascia board from the elements, and it diverts water to the center of your gutter.
If you did not install an eave trim your roof is more likely to leak, meaning you might have to paint and replace your fascia board more often, and the color of your stucco or walls will fade more rapidly.
The cost of the eave trim will depend upon the gauge, type of paint finish, and the size of the eave trim. On average eave trim will cost $1.25 to $2.50 per lineal foot. A full size eave trim in PVDF would be at the high side of this range. While a 26 gauge mini eave in a galvalume finish would be on the low side.
Installing eave trim on your metal roof starts with using the right tools and having the correct supplies on hand. Here is a list of what you will need:
You should always read the manufacturers installation guide prior to installing drip edge on a metal roof. It’s also important to be in compliance with local building code requirements.
It’s always easiest to work from left to right. So start with the left corner of the roof and then start overlapping the eave trim as you work your way to the far right side of the roof.
Eave trim is typically ten feet to twelve feet in length and most roofs will be larger than twelve feet. When this happens the eave flashing will have to be overlapped.
How do you ensure that your roof is protected from the elements if your roof is ready before the trim and metal panels arrive at the jobsite? Roofers will “dry-in” a roof prior to the installation of the metal roofing. This is short for dry inside. It means that the roofing underlayment has been installed protecting your roof and making it weather tight.
Roofing underlayment should be installed prior to installation of eave flashing. The drip edge or eave trim will sit on top of the roofing underlayment. This keeps wind driven rain from getting underneath the underlayment.
In addition, cut an eight inch strip of Sharkskin Ultra SA underlayment and install it over the eave flashing as shown in the picture and video. Once this is done you will have underlayment both underneath and over the eave trim.
Installing eave flashing isn’t that difficult. After you watch the videos and read the article you should not have any problems. If you are learning about eave trim installation then the next step is to learn about gable trim and ridge cap installation. Check out our metal roofing installation guides, view our YouTube channel, and our blog.
Since you are learning about installing metal roofing panels you have either purchased metal roofing or will be ordering soon. If you have not ordered the metal roofing panels, you can save 15% to 50% by buying from a manufacturer directly.
When you purchase metal roofing from Western States Metal Roofing you are buying manufacturer direct. There are no middle men involved. We offer inexpensive delivery throughout the entire United States and will provide excellent customer service. But don’t take our word for it, you can see what customer ratings and reviews online here.