Are you about to start the roof replacement process or another roofing project? Do you keep hearing about the “rakes” of a roof?
Roofing is way more complex than most homeowners realize. There are a lot of pieces you can't see underneath the shingles you see from the ground.
Rakes are an important part of a roof’s structure you can actually see. However, certain things you can't see are installed on them to prevent water from getting into your home.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in educating homeowners on all things roofing. So, let’s break down what you need to know about the rakes of your roof.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn:
- What is the rake of a roof?
- What must be installed on the rake of a roof?
- Is drip edge really required on the rakes of a roof?
What is the rake of a roof?
A rake is the sloped edge of a roof that runs vertically up to the ridge. Because it’s visible, you’ll identify a rake as the upward-angled sides where the shingles meet the edge.
The rakes protect the edges of the roof decking, cover the ends of the rafters, and seal your roof at the vertical edges. There are two types of rakes: overhanging and flush.
Overhanging rakes extend beyond the gable wall for additional protection from rain and wind while also providing a more pronounced architectural look. So, decorative elements like brackets or exposed beams are usually incorporated in the rake boards.
Flush rakes are level with the walls to provide a simpler and more compact appearance. It doesn’t provide extra protection but can be reinforced with fascia boards or trim.
What must be installed on the rake of a roof?
Now you know what the rake of a roof is. Rakes are pretty much architectural features based on a home’s design that roofers have to reinforce.
However, shingles alone won’t protect the edges of your roof. So, certain materials are required on the rakes to prevent all kinds of problems.
Drip edge
Drip edge is metal flashing installed on all the edges of your roof. Not only will it be installed on the rakes but also on the eaves (the horizontal roof edges/gutter line).
(Drip edge on the rake of a roof facet)
Its main job is to prevent water from getting underneath the other materials. Without drip edge, water rots out the board and roof decking once it gets under the shingles.
This can cause structural damage while also giving water an opportunity to get into your walls and home.
Starter shingles
Starter shingles are a pre-cut row of roofing material installed on a roof’s edges. They are installed directly over the drip edge before installing the first course of shingles.
This ensures material is between the joints where the shingles touch each other on the edges of your roof. However, starter shingles also have an adhesive on top of them.
Once it reaches the right temperature, the adhesive seals the starter shingles to the first row of shingles on the rakes and eaves. This seal helps prevent wind from getting under the shingles to improve your roof’s resistance to storm damage.
Is drip edge really required on the rakes of a roof?
Even though you know drip edge goes on a roof’s rake, plenty of bad roofers either hide it in their estimate or outright lie about it being a necessity. Now, pre-bent aluminum fascia or rake molding acts as the drip edge, so you won't need drip edge if your roof already has either one.
If your roof doesn’t have either, drip edge is absolutely required on the rakes and eaves. The potential damage caused by leaks is a huge reason why, but it’s also a building code.
Code R905.2.8.5 of the 2018 IRC states:
“A drip edge shall be provided at eaves and gables of shingle roofs.”
The code clearly states that drip edge must be installed on a roof’s edges so your home is up to code. Making sure it’s included is one thing, but it must also be installed correctly.
The rest of code R905.2.8.5 states:
“Adjacent pieces of a drip edge shall be overlapped a minimum of 2 inches. A drip edge shall extend a minimum of a ¼ of an inch below roof decking and extend up a minimum of 2 inches. Underlayment must be installed over the drip edge along the eaves and under the underlayment on gables.”
(Per code drip edge installation)
At this point, it should be clear a roof requires drip edge or something that acts as one. Without it, your roof will have problems, and your home will not pass an inspection.
What are the different layers of a roof?
After reading this article, you know what the rake of a roof is, what’s installed on it, and if drip edge is really required. Remember, the rake of a roof may be an architectural feature.
But it also protects structural components, so installing the right materials is crucial. As long as you hire a reputable roofing contractor, they’ll make sure everything is done correctly to seal your roof at the rakes.
However, this is just one piece. A roof is like a puzzle with different materials and components fitting together to form a full roof system.
Trust me, you want a full understanding of what you’re paying for when getting a new roof. The last thing you want is something to get left off or excluded because you didn’t catch it in your estimate.
Check out What is the Anatomy of a Roof System to learn the components and materials that make up a roof.
