The International Residential Code (R905.2.8.5 in recent editions) requires drip edge at the eaves and rake edges of asphalt shingle roofs. If your jurisdiction has adopted that edition and the carrier's estimate leaves drip edge off, supplement it using the eave and rake linear feet from the measurement report, a photo of the edge, and the adopted code section.
- →IRC R905.2.8.5 requires drip edge at eaves and rakes for asphalt shingles
- →Confirm which code edition your city or county adopted
- →Quantity = eave LF + rake LF from the measurement report
- →Photo the existing edge — or show it's missing
What the code says
Recent editions of the International Residential Code require drip edge at eaves and rake edges of shingle roofs, with minimum flange dimensions and overlap at joints. Local adoption varies, and some jurisdictions amend the IRC. Check the edition your building department enforces before citing it.
How to measure it
| Edge | Include? | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eaves | Yes | Measurement report eave total |
| Rakes | Yes | Measurement report rake total |
| Ridges / hips | No | — |
| Valleys | No | — |
Why carriers leave it off
Some estimates assume existing drip edge can be reused, or that the old roof didn't have it. Bent or painted-over metal usually can't be reused cleanly during a full replacement, and if the old roof lacked drip edge, code may require adding it now. That's where code upgrade coverage comes in. See our guide on code upgrade reimbursement.
- Photograph the eave and rake edges, showing condition or absence
- Pull eave and rake LF from the measurement report
- Cite the adopted code section and edition
- Check whether the policy includes ordinance or law coverage
- Add the line to your supplement letter
RoofGenius flags drip edge and other code items missing from the carrier estimate and pulls the linear feet from the measured roof. See AI Supplements.