Protecting Bergen County Homes

from Hidden Roof Damage

The Importance of Drip Edge

At Mattsson Roofing, we believe the little details of a roof replacement are what make the difference between a short-term fix and long-term protection. One of those details is often overlooked: the drip edge. This thin strip of aluminum along the roof perimeter is one of the first lines of defense against wind-driven rain and moisture damage.

What Is Drip Edge and Why Does It Matter?

Drip edge is a piece of aluminum installed along the edges of your roof, both at the eaves and rakes. Its job is to direct water away from the roof’s edge, protecting the decking and the home’s structure.

As Erik Mattsson, owner of Mattsson Roofing explains during a roof replacement installation:

“If we look, we can see that there is no drip edge here… if these shingles ever got lifted up in a windstorm, water is gonna be able to get up underneath the shingles and affect this decking.”

Without drip edge, shingles at the edge of your roof are exposed to wind and water. Over time, this can lead to wood rot, leaks, and costly repairs inside the home.

The Problem We See in Bergen County Roofs

Many older homes in Bergen County — in towns like Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, and Glen Rock — were built without drip edge or with improperly installed materials. During roof inspections, we often find the edges covered only by old underlayment that offers little real protection.

Risks of Missing Drip Edge

Wind-driven rain can lift shingles and push water underneath.
Roof decking near the edge becomes waterlogged and weak.
Attic leaks can lead to stains, mildew, and damaged sheetrock.
Repairs become more extensive the longer the problem is ignored.

How Mattsson Roofing Installs Drip Edge Correctly

When we replace a roof, we make sure drip edge is part of the complete system — not an afterthought.

Step 1 – Aluminum Protection

We install 10-foot pieces of aluminum drip edge along the perimeter of the roof. This creates a continuous barrier that locks out water even during severe storms.

Step 2 – Waterproof Underlayment

Underneath the drip edge, we add ice and water shield, a synthetic polymer dipped in asphalt.

As Erik explains:
“Even if the drip edge failed — which it won’t — you’re gonna have a waterproof membrane at the edge of your roof.”

This redundancy ensures water can’t sneak beneath shingles and damage your home.

Step 3 – Integrated Roof System

Drip edge is only one piece of the puzzle. Combined with quality shingles, underlayment, and ventilation, it creates a roof system built for long-term performance.

The Value of Attention to Detail

In our experience, roofing success is about more than shingles, paper, and wood. It’s about the details that keep your home dry and safe for decades. A missing drip edge might not be visible from the curb, but it can quietly undermine the entire roof system.

That’s why homeowners in towns like Oradell, Upper Saddle River, Saddle River, Hillsdale, Fair Lawn, and Saddle Brook turn to Mattsson Roofing. We don’t just replace roofs — we build systems designed for Bergen County’s weather challenges.

Protecting Your Home From Costly Repairs

Skipping drip edge might save a few dollars in the short term, but the long-term costs of water damage, mold remediation, or structural repairs far outweigh it. By including drip edge and ice and water shield in every roof replacement, we help homeowners avoid the headaches of hidden leaks.

Schedule Your Roofing Inspection Today

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