# Inspecting Roof drip edge

**URL:** <https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486>\
**Category:** Roofing Inspections\
**Created:** [September 4, 2024, 9:00pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486 "2024-09-04T21:00:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![bhaley](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bhaley/32/253968_2.png) [@bhaley](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bhaley)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2024, 9:00pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/1 "2024-09-04T21:00:22Z")

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Are we required to state the presence ,or absence of drip edges?

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**Author:** ![wjones18](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/wjones18/32/397367_2.png) [@wjones18](https://forum.nachi.org/u/wjones18)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2024, 9:14pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/2 "2024-09-04T21:14:16Z")

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What state are you in? What does your SOP say about it? Every state has different requirements.

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**Author:** ![tglaze](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tglaze/32/362210_2.png) [@tglaze](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tglaze)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2024, 9:37pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/3 "2024-09-04T21:37:27Z")

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> [@bhaley](#):
>
> Are we required to state the presence ,or absence of drip edges

I note it as information whether it’s required or not and note that it varies between jurisdictions and installation dates.

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**Author:** ![jspencer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jspencer/32/172267_2.png) [@jspencer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jspencer)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2024, 9:41pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/4 "2024-09-04T21:41:55Z")

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It might not be required to be installed, but it is best practice to have it. I would note making corrections if it is missing. Let them decide what to do with it.

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**Author:** ![ruecker](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ruecker/32/357170_2.png) [@ruecker](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ruecker)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2024, 9:45pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/5 "2024-09-04T21:45:58Z")

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> [@bhaley](#):
>
> Are we required to state the presence ,or absence of drip edges?..

If your SOP requires it, then yes, the presence or absence of drip edge should be noted.

If you are asking if the lack of drip edge should be listed as a “deficiency,” my answer is yes.

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**Author:** ![escanlan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/escanlan/32/57038_2.png) [@escanlan](https://forum.nachi.org/u/escanlan)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2024, 9:48pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/6 "2024-09-04T21:48:13Z")

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> [@bhaley](#):
>
> Are we required to state the presence ,or absence of drip edges?

Drip edge flashing is used to protect/seal the joint between the roof decking and trim. If it is missing is that a problem that a flashing piece is missing?

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**Author:** ![bhaley](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bhaley/32/253968_2.png) [@bhaley](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bhaley)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2024, 10:35pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/7 "2024-09-04T22:35:36Z")

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Tennessee.  
Tennessee home inspectors standards do not require that we even walk the roof.  
And from what I see with ASHI and NACHI ,it is not required either, but since I know the code, I mention it and it is a true sticking point with Buyers and Realtors

Bob Haley  
109 Whitney Place Court  
Nashville, TN 37215

615.300.7707  
[Bobhaley@comcast.net](mailto:Bobhaley@comcast.net)

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**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\
**Post date:** [September 4, 2024, 10:57pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/8 "2024-09-04T22:57:50Z")

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[quote="Bob Haley, post:7, topic:246486, username:bhaley”]  
**Tennessee home inspectors standards do not require that we even walk the roof.**  
[/quote]

One doesn’t need to walk to roof to see if there is drip edge or not.

Also, Bob, your website is down:

 ![Screenshot 2024-09-04 at 6.57.12 PM](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/c/4/4/c4422f599b5ac6e700bdcc518beb30c38812010f.png)

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**Author:** ![wjones18](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/wjones18/32/397367_2.png) [@wjones18](https://forum.nachi.org/u/wjones18)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2024, 12:17am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/9 "2024-09-05T00:17:43Z")

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As Larry said, no inspector anywhere is required to walk a roof, as some roofs are not walkable, that would be a ridiculous requirement. But you should always setup a ladder at the eaves. You can see drip edge that way, but drip edge requirement by your local building codes should say if it’s a requirement or not. And I try to walk ever roof I can, it is always okay to exceed the SOP. The SOP is only the bare minimum. You really do not want to be known as the bare minimum guy. Realtors will not refer you to anyone. If you can’t walk a roof, get a drone and a pole for your camera. Go above and beyond for your clients any way you can. You will start getting lots of referrals that way. Just make sure you have a good insurance policy if you are not getting on roofs. As the law suits will start rushing in.

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**Author:** ![jjonas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jjonas/32/301755_2.png) [@jjonas](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jjonas)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2024, 12:50am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/10 "2024-09-05T00:50:43Z")

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> [@lkage](#):
>
> Bob, your website is down:

Nope, just missing one " l " in Nashville… [https://homeinspectionsnashville.com/](https://homeinspectionsnashville.com/)

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**Author:** ![escanlan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/escanlan/32/57038_2.png) [@escanlan](https://forum.nachi.org/u/escanlan)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2024, 12:56am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/11 "2024-09-05T00:56:30Z")

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> [@wjones18](#):
>
> **As Larry said, no inspector anywhere is required to walk a roof, as some roofs are not walkable, that would be a ridiculous requirement.** But you should always setup a ladder at the eaves. You can see drip edge that way, but drip edge requirement by your local building codes should say if it’s a requirement or not. And I try to walk ever roof I can, it is always okay to exceed the SOP. The SOP is only the bare minimum. You really do not want to be known as the bare minimum guy. Realtors will not refer you to anyone. If you can’t walk a roof, get a drone and a pole for your camera. Go above and beyond for your clients any way you can. You will start getting lots of referrals that way. Just make sure you have a good insurance policy if you are not getting on roofs. As the law suits will start rushing in.

Actually Larry stated that you don’t need to walk a roof to see that dripedge is missing.

In Texas we are required to walk any roof that is safely accessible. If we do not walk a roof we need to explain, in the report, why we did not.

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**Author:** ![wjones18](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/wjones18/32/397367_2.png) [@wjones18](https://forum.nachi.org/u/wjones18)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/12 "2024-09-05T01:10:35Z")

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> [@escanlan](#):
>
> In Texas we are required to walk any roof that is safely accessible. If we do not walk a roof we need to explain, in the report, why we did not.

That’s pretty much every SOP. And I said I walk every walkable roof. If I can’t I use a pole and a drone.

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**Author:** ![bcawhern1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bcawhern1/32/408713_2.png) [@bcawhern1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bcawhern1)\
**Post date:** [September 5, 2024, 2:18pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/13 "2024-09-05T14:18:43Z")

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NACHI SoP states the following

> 3.1. Roof  
> I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or the eaves:  
> A. the roof-covering materials;  
> B. the gutters;  
> C. the downspouts;  
> D. the vents, **flashing** , skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and  
> E. the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

If you have a limitation that prevents you from performing the above requirement, then I recommend you clearly state those limitations in the report.

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**Author:** ![sreed3](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/sreed3/32/59352_2.png) [@sreed3](https://forum.nachi.org/u/sreed3)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 3:05pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/14 "2024-09-06T15:05:25Z")

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I called it out, but only as a deficiency if I see moisture damage to the sheathing. If it’s along the facia with a gutter installed, visibility can be obstructed, so I would list it as marginal in those cases and recommend installing drip edge. In almost every case, I find moisture damaged sheathing as a result. If it’s not required in your state, and you don’t find any damage, you can list it as a recommended improvement.

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**Author:** ![tcathcart](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tcathcart/32/253822_2.png) [@tcathcart](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tcathcart)\
**Post date:** [July 28, 2025, 7:48pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/15 "2025-07-28T19:48:25Z")

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Hey everyone, I ran into an issue on a roof’s drip edge. All the corners are cut like this on a brand new roof. Has anyone ever seen drip edge flashing corners cut this way? Is this standard practice or should it be a concern? Just trying to figure out if this is normal or a mistake. See attached photo. Location Florida.

 ![20250728_143515](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/0/0/0/000806a0fea61477b97c44b54ce0ca794d919b89.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![kleonard](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/kleonard/32/170953_2.png) [@kleonard](https://forum.nachi.org/u/kleonard)\
**Post date:** [July 28, 2025, 8:24pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/16 "2025-07-28T20:24:55Z")

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> [@bhaley](#):
>
> Are we required to state the presence ,or absence of drip edges?

We’re not required to state if it’s present, but we are required to call it out if it’s not. As already mentioned, it’s flashing that serves an important purpose.

And although we aren’t “code” inspectors, in my area drip edges are required by code.

Here’s a picture of missing drip edge that I found on a recent inspection.

 ![Phone3d_30721](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/2/3/b/23bdd1d4bcd188675f8021338ef7f915794a6f06.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![kleonard](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/kleonard/32/170953_2.png) [@kleonard](https://forum.nachi.org/u/kleonard)\
**Post date:** [July 28, 2025, 8:26pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/17 "2025-07-28T20:26:46Z")

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> [@tcathcart](#):
>
> Has anyone ever seen drip edge flashing corners cut this way? Is this standard practice or should it be a concern?

Do you have a picture from further back?

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**Author:** ![tcathcart](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tcathcart/32/253822_2.png) [@tcathcart](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tcathcart)\
**Post date:** [July 28, 2025, 8:37pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/18 "2025-07-28T20:37:53Z")

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![20250728_163509](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/4/2/0/420e02ae3595cbcd91b71b1568287af4b58cbb7a.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![tcathcart](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tcathcart/32/253822_2.png) [@tcathcart](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tcathcart)\
**Post date:** [July 28, 2025, 8:38pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/19 "2025-07-28T20:38:38Z")

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here’s another corner same thing better pictures

 ![20250728_163604](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/f/3/6/f3663584a752832a38306eaa76a6863bd905b404.jpeg)  
 ![20250728_163608](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/9/4/4/9448d02d8438dcc6d892222177054ac045daf567.jpeg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![tcathcart](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tcathcart/32/253822_2.png) [@tcathcart](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tcathcart)\
**Post date:** [July 28, 2025, 8:44pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/inspecting-roof-drip-edge/246486/20 "2025-07-28T20:44:20Z")

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Thanks for your response, Kevin. I’ve attached a couple more pictures same roof, just different corners. Appreciate any insight you can offer.

 ![20250728_163604](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/f/3/6/f3663584a752832a38306eaa76a6863bd905b404.jpeg)  
 ![20250728_163608](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/9/4/4/9448d02d8438dcc6d892222177054ac045daf567.jpeg)

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