How to Extend a Roof Overhang
A roof overhang that's too short can cause water to drip behind gutters, rotting the fascia board and causing water damage and stains on the side of the house. Extending the overhang to at least 3/4 inch beyond the fascia board is sufficient to ensure water drips into the gutter.
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.
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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.
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Purchase enough drip-cap flashing, also called aluminum drip edge, to fit the length of your overhang.
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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.
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Adjust the flashing so it extends over the gutter.
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Secure the flashing with several short roofing nails along the piece.
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Seal the roofing nails with roofing cement by dropping a dollop of cement on the exposed nail head.
References
Writer Bio
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).
Photo Credits
- Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
- Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
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