How to Extend a Roof Overhang

How to Secure Loose Shingles
Published: Nov 17, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Drip-cap flashing
  • Roofing nails
  • Nail gun
  • Roofing cement

The simple fix can increase the lifespan of your house and add value to it.

  1. Measure the length of your roof overhang. This is approximately equal to the length of each side of your home, or the length of the gutters alongside the roof.

  2. Purchase enough drip-cap flashing, also called aluminum drip edge, to fit the length of your overhang.

  3. Position the flashing under the row of shingles nearest to your gutter. Slide a complete piece of flashing under several shingles at one time. For example, if your flashing is 8 feet in length, slide it under 8 feet of shingles.

  4. Adjust the flashing so it extends over the gutter.

  5. Secure the flashing with several short roofing nails along the piece.

  6. Seal the roofing nails with roofing cement by dropping a dollop of cement on the exposed nail head.

Photo Credits

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Catherine Lovering

Catherine Lovering has written about business, tax, careers and pets since 2006. Lovering holds a B.A. (political science), LL.B. (law) and LL.L. (civil law).

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