What Is Rake and Eave Edges?
The eave is the horizontal lower edge of a roof plane, where water leaves the roof; the rake is the sloped edge at a gable end. They are detailed differently. At the eave, drip edge goes on the deck first with underlayment lapped over it, so water on the underlayment runs onto the metal and off; ice and water barrier, where used, starts here; and a starter course with its adhesive strip at the edge seals the first shingle course against uplift. At the rake, drip edge goes over the underlayment, and a starter course along the rake — which manufacturers require for their higher wind warranties — seals the exposed edge shingles. Wind damage starts at these edges, which is why the starter course and the sealing of the first courses matter more than the field of the roof, and why 'starter on both eaves and rakes' appears as a condition in manufacturer wind warranties.
Important Distinction
Note: This describes the component in general. Which product, gauge or detail a specific roof needs is a job-by-job determination made after an inspection, and the building code and the manufacturer's installation instructions govern over any general description.
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Also Known As
These are the search terms and phrases that commonly refer to this topic, so you can find it however you describe it.
How Rake and Eave Edges Relates to Other Topics
Drip edge finishes both the eave and the rake, lapped differently at each.
A starter course along eaves and rakes seals the edge shingles; manufacturers condition higher wind warranties on it.
Wind damage starts at the edges.
Questions about Rake and Eave Edges?
Zilker Roofing inspects before recommending. Honest assessment, no pressure.