Onward
Drip edge is a couple of dollars a foot — and the part that keeps water from rotting your roof’s edge from the inside out. It’s small, it’s required by code, and it’s quietly one of the best values on a roof. This guide gives you the 2026 numbers: what drip edge costs per linear foot by material, a real whole-home total, and why no honest re-roof leaves it off.
How much does drip edge cost in 2026?
Drip edge costs $2 to $5 per linear foot installed, or about $200 to $800 for a typical home. Aluminum, the standard, sits at the low end; copper is the premium exception. Because it goes on fast during a re-roof, drip edge is one of the cheapest line items on any roofing bill — and one of the most important to get right.
Most homes have 150–250 linear feet of roof edge. At a couple dollars a foot, the math stays small, which is exactly why skipping it to “save money” makes no sense.
Key takeaway: Drip edge is required by code and costs almost nothing to include — if a quote leaves it out, ask why. A free Onward estimate gives you written quotes from vetted local pros that list edge metal as a real line item.
Drip edge cost by material
The metal you choose barely moves the total on most homes, but it does affect durability and looks.
| Material | Cost per linear ft (installed) | Best for | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $2–$4 | Most homes, color-matched | 25–40 yrs |
| Galvanized steel | $2.50–$4.50 | High-wind areas | 20–30 yrs |
| Vinyl-coated | $2–$4 | Budget, matches trim | 20–30 yrs |
| Copper | $5–$10 | Slate, tile, premium homes | 75–100 yrs |
Aluminum is the default — rust-proof, cheap, and color-matched to your fascia. Galvanized steel is a touch sturdier for high-wind regions. Copper is the splurge for slate, tile, and architectural homes, where it both lasts a century and looks the part.
Drip edge cost per linear foot and total
Here’s how the per-foot rate scales to a whole-home total based on roof perimeter.
| Roof perimeter | Aluminum total | Steel total | Copper total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 linear ft | $300–$600 | $375–$675 | $750–$1,500 |
| 200 linear ft | $400–$800 | $500–$900 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| 250 linear ft | $500–$800 | $625–$1,125 | $1,250–$2,500 |
For aluminum — what most homeowners use — the whole-home total lands at $200–$800. Copper runs higher, but it’s reserved for premium roofs where the rest of the materials are in the same league.
What drip edge does and why code requires it
Drip edge is an L-shaped strip along your eaves and rakes that throws water clear of the fascia and into the gutter. Without it, water wicks backward under the shingles and rots the roof edge and decking — slow, hidden, and expensive to fix.
The International Residential Code has required drip edge on most re-roofs since the 2012 edition, and inspectors check for it. A re-roof that skips it can fail inspection. For a part that costs a couple dollars a foot, there’s no reason to leave it off.
What drives your drip edge price
- Material. Aluminum is cheapest; copper is several times more.
- Roof perimeter. More edge means more linear feet.
- Roof height and access. Taller homes are slower to work safely.
- Profile size. Wider “extended” drip edge for steep roofs costs slightly more per foot.
- Bundled or standalone. Drip edge done during a roof replacement is far cheaper than a one-off install.
- Color matching. Custom colors add a small premium over stock white or brown.
Should you upgrade your drip edge?
For most homeowners, standard aluminum is exactly right — there’s little reason to pay more unless your roof material calls for it.
| Standard aluminum | Copper upgrade | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (200 linear ft) | $400–$800 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Worth it if | Asphalt or metal roof | Slate, tile, or premium home |
| Lifespan | 25–40 yrs | 75–100 yrs |
| Looks | Matches trim | Distinctive, ages to patina |
Stick with aluminum if: you have an asphalt or standard metal roof — it does the job for a fraction of the cost. Upgrade to copper if: you’re installing slate or tile and want edge metal that lasts as long as the roof. Pair whatever you choose with new flashing and underlayment so the whole edge is sealed.
Why homeowners price drip edge through Onward
Onward isn’t a roofing company — we’re the trust layer on top of the local ones. We match you with a few licensed, insured, background-checked pros who compete for your job with free, written quotes that list edge metal as its own line. You compare, read reviews we re-verify yearly, and choose. Your information is never sold.
Drip edge is small enough that sloppy contractors leave it off — saving you nothing and risking edge rot and a failed inspection. Three vetted quotes that include it make the cut-corner obvious. See The Onward Shield and how we calculate our cost ranges.
Your next step
Drip edge is cheap, required, and easy to verify — so verify it.
- In the next 60 seconds: Get a free Onward estimate and we’ll match you with vetted local roofers.
- Before you sign: Confirm drip edge is listed on the quote for both eaves and rakes — it’s required by code.
- Bundle it: Replace drip edge during your roof replacement, paired with new flashing and gutters.
It’s the smallest line on the bill and one of the most important. Make sure it’s there.
