That thin metal strip at your roof edge is the first line of defense - and often the first thing to fail. When wind catches that exposed flange, it peels back like opening a sardine can.
Get accurate roofing component wind pressure calculations for Broward County.
Calculate Roofing LoadsThink about opening a sardine can - you pull the little tab and the lid peels right off. Your drip edge works the same way! That exposed metal flange sticking down from the roof edge is like the pull tab.
When hurricane winds hit that flange, they create a lifting force that peels the drip edge upward. Once it starts, the whole thing unzips like a zipper running down the roof edge.
Drip edge isn't just decoration - it's the anchor point for your shingles and underlayment. When drip edge peels back, the shingles at the roof edge lose their grip. Then wind gets underneath them.
First the edge shingles go. Then the next row. Then the underlayment. Before you know it, you're looking at bare plywood getting soaked with rain.
In Broward County, drip edge needs roofing nails every 4 inches along the top edge - not the 12-inch spacing used up north. Use 26-gauge metal minimum, though many pros prefer 24-gauge for extra stiffness.
Apply a bead of roof cement under the flange before nailing. This adhesive bond helps resist the initial peel force before the nails even come into play.
Drip edge at the roof perimeter in Broward County experiences uplift pressures of -70 to -100 PSF depending on the roof zone. The thin metal flashing acts like a lever - wind catches the exposed edge and tries to peel it upward. Corner locations can see pressures exceeding -120 PSF.
In high-wind areas like Broward County, drip edge should be fastened with roofing nails at 4 inches on center along the top edge, not the standard 12-inch spacing. The nails should penetrate at least 3/4 inch into the roof deck. Roof cement should be applied under the drip edge flange for additional wind resistance.
The Florida Building Code requires minimum 26-gauge galvanized steel or equivalent aluminum for drip edge in high-wind zones. Many contractors use 24-gauge for better durability. The heavier gauge resists bending and peeling better than thinner material, and the extra stiffness helps maintain the edge profile during wind events.
When drip edge peels back, it exposes the roof deck edge and underlayment to wind and rain. Wind can then get under the shingles and underlayment, progressively peeling them back. Water infiltrates the deck edge, causing rot and structural damage. A $50 piece of metal can lead to thousands in roof replacement costs.
Calculate exact wind pressures and fastener requirements for drip edge and all roof edge components. PE-stamped calculations for Broward County permits.
Calculate Roofing Loads