Drip edge installation in Exeter
Professional drip edge installation services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£160-£260+
Typical Duration
3-5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Metal drip edge flashing installed along roof edges to protect fascias and direct water properly into gutters. Usually fitted during roofing or fascia replacement work.
Stop Water Destroying Your Fascias
Here's what happens without a drip edge: rainwater runs off your roof tiles and instead of dropping straight into the gutter, it runs back along the underside of the tiles and soaks into your fascia boards.
Over years, this causes rot, paint failure, and expensive fascia replacement. A drip edge is cheap insurance that directs water where it should go.
💡 Pro tip: Drip edge is standard on new builds but rare on pre-1990s houses. If you're replacing your fascias or re-roofing, add it then. Retrofitting to a perfectly good existing roof rarely makes financial sense.
Why Water Runs Back Without It
| Problem | What's Happening | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Surface tension | Water clings to tile underside | Drip edge breaks surface tension |
| Wind driven rain | Blows under tile edge | Creates physical barrier |
| Ice dams | Water freezes at roof edge | Allows melt water to drain properly |
| Fascia rot | Constant wetting at tile/fascia junction | Water drips clear of wood |
What's Involved
🔧 Installation Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Access | Set up safe ladder access or scaffolding |
| Prep | Remove bottom course of tiles if retrofitting |
| Measure | Cut drip edge to exact lengths needed |
| Fit | Install under felt, over fascia top edge |
| Seal | Overlap joints properly, seal with mastic |
| Replace | Re-bed tiles over drip edge |
📦 You're Left With
- Protected fascia boards
- Water directed into gutters not onto wood
- Professional weatherproof joints
- Roof edge protected from wind-driven rain
When To Install Drip Edge
| Scenario | Makes Sense? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| During re-roofing | ✅ Yes | Tiles already lifted, minimal extra cost |
| New fascia fitting | ✅ Yes | Perfect time, fascia is exposed |
| Existing intact roof | ❌ Rarely | Lifting tiles is disruptive and costly |
| Fascia showing rot signs | ✅ Yes | Replace fascia + add protection |
Typical Costs (Very Rough - Needs Site Visit)
This job is almost never done in isolation - usually part of roofing or fascia work
| If Combined With | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Re-roofing work | £150-250 (materials + fitting time) |
| Fascia replacement | £100-200 (already got access) |
| Standalone retrofit | Not usually recommended |
Exact cost depends on roof access, length, complexity, and what other work is happening.
Better Alternatives (Honestly)
If your roof and fascias are currently fine, consider:
✅ Regular maintenance - keep gutters clear, check fascias annually
✅ Good paint - quality fascia paint adds protection
✅ Wait for roof work - add drip edge when you re-roof in 10 years
Drip edge is brilliant, but it's a long-term investment best done during other work.
Why Choose Us for Drip edge installation in Exeter?
Protect fascia boards from rot
Direct water properly into gutters
Prevent ice dams in winter
Extend roof edge lifespan
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment
I look at your roof edge, check fascia condition, discuss whether drip edge makes sense for your situation. Sometimes the honest answer is "wait until you're re-roofing."
Step 2: Installation (If Proceeding)
Set up safe access. Carefully lift bottom course of tiles. Install drip edge flashing under felt and over fascia. Seal all joints. Re-bed tiles securely.
Step 3: Check and Clean
Make sure water now drips into gutter not onto fascia. Clean up any mess, take away waste materials.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is working at height on a roof edge - serious safety considerations. Not recommended DIY unless you're very confident:
⚠️ Safety first
- Proper scaffolding or tower for anything above single story
- Never work alone on a roof
- Consider just paying a professional - it's not an expensive job when combined with other work
🔧 If you're determined
- Pre-formed drip edge from roofing suppliers
- Needs to go under roofing felt, over fascia
- Overlap joints minimum 50mm, seal with mastic
- Use aluminum or galvanized steel (plastic isn't rigid enough)
❌ Why this is risky DIY
- Working at height with tools
- Lifting tiles without breaking them
- Getting the layering order right (felt, flashing, tiles)
- Proper overlap and sealing of joints
- Risk of creating leaks if done wrong
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Flat roof or low-pitch? You might need a different solution like a proper timber drip batten. I'll advise what works for your roof type.
Getting fascias replaced? Definitely mention you want drip edge adding. Roofer or fascia contractor can do it while access is already set up.
Not sure if you have it? Most houses don't. Look at the roof edge from outside - you'd see a metal strip visible between the tiles and fascia if it's there.
Exeter old houses: Our Victorian and Edwardian properties rarely have drip edges. They weren't common practice then. That's why fascia replacement is such a regular job around here - the water's been running onto the wood for 100+ years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a drip edge and why do I need one?
It's metal flashing along the roof edge that directs water away from fascia boards and into gutters. Without it, water can run back under roof tiles and rot your fascia. Common in newer builds but often missing from older Exeter houses.
Can you install drip edge on my old house?
Yes, but it's usually done during re-roofing or when replacing fascias. Retrofitting to an existing intact roof is tricky - you'd be lifting the bottom course of tiles. If your roof's due for work anyway, that's when to add it.
Will this stop my fascia rotting?
If fitted before damage occurs, yes. If the fascia is already rotten, we need to replace that first, then add the drip edge. Think of it as insurance for new or replaced fascias.
How long does installation take?
For a simple roof, half a day to a day depending on length. If we're working around complex roof shapes or valley returns, it takes longer. I'll give you a proper estimate once I've seen the roof.
Do I need scaffolding?
Depends on roof height and access. Bungalows and some two-story houses can be done from ladders. Higher or more complex roofs need scaffolding, which you'd need to arrange separately.
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