Drip edge and flashing are the metal details that keep water out of fascia and walls. When they fail, you see peeling paint, rotted soffits, and “mystery” interior stains even with decent shingles. This guide is for homeowners reviewing bids or small DIY porch roofs.
Drip edge
Metal strip along eaves and rakes. At eaves on modern installs, drip edge typically sits over the underlayment so water sheds into the gutter — confirm sequence with your contractor. Gauge and finish should match trim; cheap painted steel chips at cuts and rusts at the first nick.
Rake-edge drip edge helps wind-driven rain and gives a clean edge for starter shingles. Missing rake metal is a common cheap-bid omission.
Step flashing at walls
Individual metal pieces woven with each shingle course up a sidewall. Continuous “L” flashing alone is not a substitute on most re-roofs. Counter-flashing into masonry is separate — if brick joints are not cut, water runs behind the step metal and shows up as interior staining a storm later.
Pipe boots
Rubber boots age and crack in southern sun. New boots are cheap insurance during a re-roof — reuse is a classic “save $40, spend $400 later” mistake. Match boot size to pipe outside diameter and integrate with underlayment properly (underlayment layers).
Chimneys
Cricket (saddle) behind wide chimneys diverts water. Mortar-only repairs without metal counter-flashing rarely last. Access, height, and lead vs step-flashing choices affect cost — demand line items (quote checklist).
Metal roofs need edge discipline too
Exposed-fastener metal still needs closures, EPDM-washer screws, and clean eave details. See metal roofing guide and materials on product finder.
Emergency vs permanent
Sealant can buy days after a storm (sealant review) but does not replace step flashing or a cracked boot. Hail documentation first: hail checklist.
Bottom line
If a bid is silent on drip edge, boots, and step flashing, assume you will pay for them later as change orders — or as interior repairs. Make the metal details visible on paper before anyone climbs.
Frequently asked questions
Should pipe boots be replaced on every re-roof?
Almost always yes — UV-cracked boots are cheap relative to interior damage.
Is drip edge required?
Widely required or treated as best practice; confirm local code and manufacturer instructions.
Can sealant replace step flashing?
No — sealant is temporary. Flashing is the durable detail.
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