Behind Gutter Vent

You may see water stains below the gutter on the fascia and soffit.

Behind gutter vent.

A gutter apron is similar to a drip edge in that it fits under the shingles and protects the roof deck. Home centers sell gutter apron in 10 ft. When the roof shingles do not extend past the metal drip edge the water will suck back on the metal drip edge. For example most ranch style homes have a 3 12 or 4 12 pitch roof.

However a gutter apron is different from a drip edge because it hangs over the gutters and then angles back toward the house. Adding a gutter apron prevents the dripping. The best time to add gutter apron is when you re getting new. If you have gutters but no gutter apron to stop the water it will wick behind the gutter.

Install gutter using brackets of choice. If you find water dripping behind your gutters it s probably because it was installed without any flashing over the back of the gutter. Eventually the fascia soffits and even the roof sheathing will rot. The metal gutter is also away from the wood fascia board eliminating wood decay of the fascia board and acting as a roof fascia drip edge.

This problem is common with homes that have roofs that do not have much pitch to them. The gutter apron prevents water from ever reaching the soffit by leading water straight into the gutters. This is a sure sign that the gutter apron is missing. Created from a bent piece of flashing a gutter apron tucks up under the shingles and over the gutter.

Ensure that the nails or screws enter the full depth of the wood fascia board below the 1 cutout.