A gutter apron is a small but important part of your home’s gutter system. Gutter aprons prevent damage to your roof by stopping water from seeping under the shingles. A key role of a gutter apron is to smooth the flow of rainwater from your roof to the gutters. Positioned under the shingles, it extends beyond the roof’s edge, channeling water directly into the gutter trough. This prevents water from seeping behind the gutter, and safeguards the fascia board and exterior walls of your home against potential damage.
A gutter apron has a similar purpose as a drip edge. However, they differ in shape and material composition. Rather than being T-shaped, a gutter apron has an L shape. These aprons are somewhat similar to flashing metals but are typically used by roofers on roofs that have low slopes.Â
In this article, I’ll discuss this critical roofing component so that you can decide whether to make it a part of your home protection.
Is a Gutter Apron Really Needed?
A gutter apron makes sure that waterflow from rain on roof shingles flows directly into the gutter. For this and other reasons, gutter apron installation is a critical part of water management around your home. Another important role of a gutter apron is to prevent water penetration that causes extensive damage. Without proper protection, water can infiltrate the wood components of your roof, including the soffits, fascia board, and eaves, leading to rot and structural deterioration.
Typically, a gutter apron is composed of a long piece of metal that is 10 feet long. During roof installation, it is placed under the first course of shingles. A gutter apron prevents water from splashing behind the actual gutter. It serves as protection to the roofing material and prevents severe water damage. The shape of a gutter apron helps direct water to go down into the gutter and make it flow freely into the channel.
A gutter apron provides a variety of benefits and is a smart choice to include in your roof system.
Protects the House
A gutter apron helps prevent water damage to your home. During severe weather conditions, the gutter apron is highly beneficial as it directs rainwater directly into the gutters and down the downspouts. Water pooling around your home’s foundation without an apron can lead to significant water damage. It also helps in protecting your roof deck, and fascia boards, so water won’t penetrate through.
Keep Infestations Away
Gutter aprons play a huge role in protecting your home against pests or small animals trying to make your home theirs as well. The gutter apron functions to cover gaps in attic designs and keep insects from nesting there.
Good Investment
Investing in a gutter apron is a long-term decision for your home’s protection. Simply put, without gutter aprons, your roof faces exposure to severe weather conditions. Continual roof damage increases the likelihood of needing a new roof for your entire house. Installing a gutter apron is a necessary part of preventative home maintenance.
Landscaping Savings
Excessive water runoff damages landscaping in your yard by eroding the soil. Gutter aprons prevent costly repairs to your landscaping caused by water runoff. If your roof accumulates leaves or twigs, a gutter apron prevents gutter clogs, providing proper water flow. Maintain your landscaping by trimming trees away from your roof.
Opting for a gutter apron can save you considerable time and spare you from stress.
Top 4 Gutter Apron Manufacturers in the U.S.A.
1. Phillips EdgeMaster Gutter Apron
Phillips has been a leading manufacturer in the U.S. since 1955. The company oversees 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space. Phillips is considered one of the best gutter apron manufacturers.
The company offers the Phillips EDGEmaster Gutter Apron. This works to direct water towards the gutter system and keeps the fascia safe. The Phillips Gutter Apron is designed for roof edge angles that are greater than 90 degrees.
This product comes in a variety of sizes. It also features hemmed edges that help with ease of installation. The colors available are galvanized, brown, white, tan, bronze, and black. The main office of Phillips is located at 4949 South 30th St, Omaha, NE 68107.
2. Amerhart Rollex Gutter Apron
The Amerhart Rollex Gutter Apron is a durable aluminum gutter apron that has a wide array of color options to match gutters and fascia. The aluminum gutter apron helps prevent water and also ice damage at the edge of the roof.
The product also promises to protect underlying wood from rotting. The Amerhart company has longevity, operating in the United States since 1940.
The company started as a small insulation distributor and has become one of the biggest lumber and building material distributors in the entire Midwest. Their main office is located at 2455 Century Road, Green Bay, WI 54303.
3. Trimbender Gutter Apron
Trimbender offers a gutter apron with an aluminum gauge of .019 (standard contractor grade). The color options of the Trimbender gutter apron are as follows: Black, White, Brown, Dark Bronze, Burgandy, Bronze (Terratone), Forest Green, Navy Blue, Cozy Cottage, Eldridge Gray, Almond, Pewter, Clay, Wicker, White (woodgrain), and Brown (woodgrain).
All aluminum trim is painted using a baked enamel coating process and is warranted from cracking or chipping for 15 years. The pieces can come in three different lengths: 4 ft, 6 ft, or 8 ft sections. The Trimbender office is located at 5232 W. Oklahoma Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53219.
4. ABC Metal Components Gutter Apron
ABC is one of the premier manufacturing companies in the U.S.. The company has been in business since 1908 and has more than a hundred years of experience in providing a comprehensive range of metal building products.
ABC has already built a good reputation when it comes to quality and performance across roofing products and accessories. The ABC Metal Components Gutter Apron backs up that claim. So, if you’re looking for high-quality gutter aprons, make sure that you include ABC among your best options.
The company has offices across the United States in the following locations:
- Frankfort, KY
- Adel, GA
- Mt. Pleasant, IA
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Phoenix, AZ
- Rome, NY
- Salt Lake City, UT
Their main office is located at 14031 West Hardy, Houston, Texas 77060.
Takeaways
Choosing to include a gutter apron in your home’s gutter system is a decision with far-reaching benefits. Installing one provides long-term advantages and potential savings for homeowners. A gutter apron not only safeguards your attic from water but also protects against rodent and insect infestations.
By effectively channeling rainwater away from your roof and preventing seepage beneath shingles, a gutter apron safeguards your roof’s integrity and prevents potential damage to your home’s exterior. Additionally, a gutter apron serves as a vital defense against water penetration, preserving the structural integrity of your roof components and preventing costly repairs. I recommend investing in a gutter apron as a wise step in protecting your home for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you install a gutter apron on a roof?
When installing a gutter apron, slip the top section under the starter layer of shingles. Carefully raise the shingles and attach the apron with roofing nails.
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Is a gutter apron necessary?
A gutter apron can be useful in protecting your home. Damage from water runoff pooling around your home’s foundation can happen without a gutter apron.
What is a gutter apron?
A gutter apron is an L-shaped piece of metal flashing installed under the starter shingles designed to protect your home from water damage.
