What size drip edge is best?
Short answer. For most Georgia homes the best drip edge is a T-style profile with a roof flange of at least 2 inches and a face long enough to extend past the bottom of the decking and carry water into the gutter. Go wider or longer when the deck edge is uneven, the fascia is tall, or the gutter sits low enough that water could slip behind it.
The two dimensions that matter
- Roof flange, the part on the deck. Code minimum is 2 inches. A 3 inch or wider flange gives the nails more room and better coverage over a ragged deck edge.
- Face, the part over the fascia. Must extend at least 1/4 inch below the sheathing. In practice it should reach far enough to clear the fascia trim and drop water into the gutter.
Matching the profile to the house
- Standard eave with gutter: T-style with a kick-out lip, so water drips clear instead of clinging.
- Gutter mounted low or fascia out of plumb: a gutter apron or extended face that reaches into the gutter.
- Thick decking or an added fascia board: a longer face so the metal covers the whole edge.
- Rakes: usually the same profile as the eaves for a uniform look, installed over the underlayment.
Material and stiffness
Aluminum is common, light and rustproof. Galvanized steel is stiffer, which helps long runs stay straight. Thin, flimsy edge dents when ladders lean on it and lets the shingle overhang droop. Color is mostly a matter of matching the trim.
Bottom line
No single size is best for every house. Look at how the deck edge lines up with the gutter and pick a profile that carries water into the gutter, not behind it. See drip edge explained and gutter sizing and guards.