Jeff,

Drip edge flashing is installed under the felt at the drip edge and over the felt at the rake edge. The main purpose is to give water a means of running off the edge without damaging the fascia board and eave. At the drip edge, the DE flashing is suppose to have a 1/4" inch gap (rarely seen) to prevent the trapping of moisture betwen the fascia and flashing.

Without the DE flashing, rain-water run off will run off the shingle (causes splits) and onto the fascia. Now the water running off the splits and onto the fascia will migrate behind the fascia and into the soffit where extensive damage will occur.

Additionally in cold climate areas, the drip edge flashing helps with the prevention of ice-damming. As we know, ice-damming is where the ice melts off the roof and re-freezes over the exposed overhangs or areas not over a heated section of the home and then back up under the shingle, causing other damage to the sheathing, insulation and other areas.

Without drip edge flashing, the perimeter of the home's roof is subjected to possible water damage and ice-damming. Plain and simple.

Got too much money-- no need for drip edge flashing...
Like your home-- drip edge flashing is highly desired... irrespective of anyone who says it's for cosmetic purposes.

Richard

__________________
"If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?"
Richard Rushing, HCRI
Duncanville, Tx.