Should I install a drip edge on my garage roof in New Brunswick?

Yes, you should absolutely install drip edge on your garage roof in New Brunswick. Drip edge is not just recommended but required by the National Building Code of Canada, and it's particularly critical in NB's Maritime climate where ice dams, wind-driven rain, and freeze-thaw cycles can cause significant water damage without proper edge protection.

Drip edge serves multiple essential functions on NB garage roofs. It directs water away from the fascia board and prevents it from running back under the shingles or roofing material — a common problem called "wind-driven rain infiltration" that's especially prevalent in coastal NB communities. The drip edge also provides a clean, finished appearance and protects the roof deck edges from moisture penetration that can lead to rot and structural damage over time.

New Brunswick's harsh winter conditions make drip edge even more important than in milder climates. When snow melts and refreezes at the roof edge, ice dams can form that force water back up under the shingles. Proper drip edge installation, combined with ice and water shield membrane (required minimum 36 inches up from the eave in NB), creates a comprehensive water management system. The drip edge ensures that even if water gets past the shingles, it's directed away from the building rather than into the roof structure.

For garage roofs specifically, drip edge installation is straightforward and affordable. The material costs approximately $3-$6 per linear foot for aluminum drip edge, and $4-$8 per linear foot for galvanized steel. A typical two-car garage (24x24) requires roughly 100 linear feet of drip edge, so material costs run $300-$800. Installation adds another $2-$4 per linear foot if you're hiring a roofer, though many contractors include drip edge in their standard roofing package.

Proper installation details matter significantly in NB's climate. The drip edge should extend at least 1/4 inch beyond the fascia board and be installed under the ice and water shield membrane at the eaves, but over the underlayment at the rake edges (gable ends). This layering ensures water flows over the drip edge rather than behind it. Use corrosion-resistant fasteners spaced every 8-12 inches, and ensure the drip edge has a minimum 1/8-inch gap at joints to allow for thermal expansion and contraction during NB's wide temperature swings.

When building a new garage or replacing an existing roof, drip edge installation is the perfect time to upgrade other edge protection systems. Consider installing gutter guards if you're adding gutters, and ensure your ice and water shield coverage extends at least 48 inches up from the eave edge rather than the code minimum of 36 inches — this extra coverage provides better protection against the ice dams that are common on NB garage roofs, especially those attached to heated homes.

Hire a professional roofer for drip edge installation if you're not comfortable working at height or if the garage roof is steep or complex. Proper installation requires coordinating the drip edge with underlayment, ice and water shield, and shingle installation in the correct sequence. A mistake in the layering order can actually create water infiltration problems rather than preventing them.

Need help finding a roofing contractor experienced with NB climate requirements? Browse roofing professionals through the New Brunswick Construction Network directory who understand the specific edge protection needs for Maritime garage construction.