How to Install a Gutter Apron?

What Is A Gutter Apron?

A gutter apron is a drip edge. A gutter apron is a special type of roof flashing. which is designed for the size and shape of the gutter. Standard gutter aprons are made from galvanized metal.

Gutter aprons are L-shaped metal. which slips under your shingles and hangs an inch down behind the gutter. A gutter apron is inserted further under your shingles. which provides an extra layer of protection beneath the surface of your roof.

Gutter aprons and drip edge flashings are usually made of metal. However, there are plastic alternatives in the market now. A Gutter apron made of metal is suitable for its durability, resistance to corrosion and aesthetic appearance.

A gutter apron is installed for the same purpose as a drip edge. The purpose of gutter aprons is to divert water from sensitive areas of the roof to gutters.

How Does a Gutter Apron Work?

Having a gutter apron installed under your shingle course helps you direct rainwater into the gutter.

Gutter flashing also provides protection to the back of the gutter. Usually, the gutter apron is installed hanging one inch down behind the gutter.

It protects your drain from any splashes or drips that occur behind the drain.

Gutter aprons also come in larger dimensions than drip edge gutters, which hang over your roof sheathing.

If your shingles are not installed properly or your gutters are a problem, gutter aprons can be installed as part of your roofing system.

Roof Types: Composition Roof | Hip Roof Design | Burnished Slate Metal Roof | Gable Roof | Gambrel Roof | Lean to Roof | Pergola Vs Gazebo | Roof Cricket | Eaves of a House | Pitched Roof | Types of Roof Vents | Modified Bitumen Roof | Porch Roof

How to Install a Gutter Apron?

Gutter aprons are usually found in long sections. You can cut to the length of your roof using snips as needed. Gutter aprons are usually available in 10-foot sections at home supply stores.

An aluminum gutter apron is generally used more. Sometimes installing a gutter apron may require removing your gutters in sections.

Fix the drain apron with sheet metal screws. If your home also has a drip edge, a gutter apron can be installed below the drip edge.

If gutter steel is used on your roof, purchase steel roll flashing because galvanized steel corrodes aluminum.

gutter aprons are not expensive. 10-foot sections of Lowe’s L-shaped white galvanized steel drip edging are available for up to $5.00 per section. A gutter apron, therefore, makes your gutters last for years. Additionally, it protects your home’s foundation, walls, and roof from water infiltration.

Gutter Apron Installation Cost

Drip edge and gutter apron installation costs can range from about $1 to $3 per linear foot, depending on the type and length of roofing material required for your home.

Gutter Apron Benefits

Gutter aprons provide a variety of benefits. That’s why it’s worth incorporating it into your roofing system. Gutter aprons are especially helpful in preventing attic damage.

1. Maintenance Benefits: If you have a gutter apron installed on the roof, you will have low maintenance requirements on the end of your roof. It drains rainwater easily into the gutter. Gutter aprons allow you to redirect rainwater into the gutter instead of allowing it to enter your home. Let’s say you haven’t installed a gutter apron (or drip edge) in your home. In that case, you will collect rainwater from your attic. And you have to clean it yourself. Which is more time-consuming and tedious.
2. Protection: Gutter aprons prevent your attic from deteriorating. During those harsh storms, your home’s gutters provide protection as they direct rainwater into sewer channels. A gutter apron also protects the roof deck and fascia. Because it allows water to flow freely down the drain.
3. Cost-Efficient: A gutter apron can save you money on your maintenance costs in the long run. So you should take a long-term decision for your home as per your future concern. On the other hand, if you don’t have a gutter apron installed in your home, your roof is at risk of further damage from rainwater.
4. Protecting Your Home Against Pests or Small Animals: By installing a gutter apron you can protect your home from insects or small animals. Who tries to make your home theirs? Gutter aprons act to cover gaps in the attic design.

Also Read:  Are Steel Gutters Better Than Aluminum Gutters? | How to Install Aluminum Gutters? | Aluminum Gutters Cost | Vinyl vs Aluminum Gutters | What Is Seamless Gutter? | Foam Gutter Guards Pros and Cons | Gutter Helmet Vs Leaf Guard | What Is Gutter Guard? | Best Gutter Sealants

Gutter Apron Vs. Drip Edge

Gutter aprons and drip edge both serve to direct water into the gutter. They differ in size
Drip edges are usually of a T-shaped design. While the gutter apron comes in an L-shaped design. Additionally, gutter aprons are a suitable option for low-slope roofs.

Installing a drip edge provides protection to your fascia board. Rainwater and high humidity are dangerous to the health of your fascia board. Drip edge, which is installed along the eaves and roof edge. That directs water away from your fascia board and into the gutter.

Drip Edge vs. Gutter Apron Installation

Here we will briefly understand the installation process of the drip edge and gutter aprons.

Drip Edge

The drip edge is attached to the roof trim and hangs just behind the back end of the gutter. Drip edges should be put from the bottom of the rake upward, with each piece slightly overlapping the next to prevent water intrusion. To give the roof and house a more uniform appearance, the material should also be cut with a minimum number of seams.

Gutter Apron

Gutter aprons are installed above the roof and below the stairs. Compared to drip edges, gutter aprons come in larger dimensions, there is only a marginal difference in installation costs between gutter aprons and drip edges.

Depending on the material and length needed for your home, installing gutter aprons and drip edges can cost you between $1 and $3 per linear foot of material.

Gutter Apron for Metal Roof

Gutter aprons come in metal strips with aluminum and steel sheets. Like drip edges, gutter aprons are available in many different colors. Colors such as black, brown, white, and bronze are more commonly used by homeowners these days for gutter aprons. If your home also has a drip edge, the gutter can be installed below the drip edge.

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