Roof Edge Protection 101: Tree Limbs, Squirrels, and Winter Leaks

Cold fronts and lake winds can turn tiny gaps at the eaves into active leaks. If you’re searching for roof edge protection, you’re asking the right question. The roof edge is where shingles, underlayment, drip edge, fascia, soffit, and gutters meet. When that connection is tight, water sheds cleanly, pests stay out, and your decking stays dry. When it’s not, winter gusts, wind-driven rain, and curious squirrels find a way in.

What “Edge Protection” Actually Includes

• Drip edge: Metal flashing at rake and eave that pushes water into the gutter and shields the roof deck edge from wind-driven rain.
• Starter course & shingle overhang: Proper starter strips and a consistent overhang reduce capillary wicking and blow-offs.
• Ice-and-water / eave underlayment: Self-sealing barrier in critical zones to stop intrusion when wind forces water uphill.
• Fascia & soffit interface: Sound wood or PVC fascia and intact soffit panels keep edges rigid and close pest entry points.
• Gutter system: Correct size (often 6″ in our storms), downspout count, and splash management to prevent overflow and fascia rot.
• Kick-out flashing (where walls meet roofs): Diverts wall runoff into gutters so it doesn’t wash behind siding at the eave.

Why Winter Makes Small Problems Big

• Wind-driven rain: Gusts off Lake Norman push water under loose shingle edges and into unprotected eaves.
• Freeze–thaw: Edge gaps take on water; overnight temperature swings separate layers and widen the path.
• Tree limbs: Rubbing branches loosen shingles and scrape paint from fascia, inviting moisture and pests.
• Squirrels and small wildlife: Soft fascia or missing soffit vents become quick entries to warm attic spaces.

Quick Homeowner Check: 10 Minutes Before the Next Storm

• Stand back and scan eaves for wavy shingle lines or irregular overhangs.
• Look for staining on fascia, loose soffit panels, or gaps where panels meet the wall.
• Confirm gutter outlets and downspouts are clear; watch for prior overflow marks.
• From the attic, check the first 24–36 inches above exterior walls for dark spots or a musty odor.
• Photograph current conditions so you have “before” documentation if damage occurs.

How Eastern Roof Technologies Fixes Edge Issues

• Drip edge retrofit or replacement: We install color-matched metal with correct lap and nail spacing, extending into the gutter trough.
• Starter & shingle correction: We repair overhang, add proper starter strips, and hand-seal edges for cold-weather adhesion.
• Eave underlayment upgrade: Self-sealing barrier at eaves, valleys, and sidewalls for extra winter protection.
• Fascia/soffit repair: Replace soft wood, resecure panels, and close wildlife access points without blocking intake ventilation.
• Gutter right-sizing: Upsize to 6″ seamless gutters, add downspouts, and set correct pitch to stop overflow at corners.
• Kick-out flashing additions: We add or correct kick-outs where roof-to-wall transitions dump water behind siding.

Costs and Scheduling

Every edge repair is unique. Access, pitch, material type, and how far water traveled influence scope. We document the cause, provide line-item options, and can phase work if needed. We also offer  financing with flexible terms so you can tackle urgent leaks now and pay over time.

Keep Wildlife Out Without Blocking Ventilation

Good edge protection keeps critters out while letting air in. We maintain proper soffit intake, add baffles where insulation blocks airflow, and seal gaps with durable trims rather than foam that deteriorates. If you hear scratching near eaves or see daylight through soffit seams, request an attic and edge review.

Why Homeowners Choose Eastern Roof Technologies

Licensed, insured, committed. Eastern Roof Technologies is a fully licensed North Carolina General Contractor (NC GC License #101149) and carries Worker’s Compensation, General Liability, and a $2M umbrella policy. We’re a Tenured CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ with 5-star Google reviews and an A+ BBB rating. Our crews follow manufacturer guidelines for cold-weather work and protect your warranty.

Next Steps

• Schedule an edge protection inspection — identify gaps at eaves, rakes, and wall ties.
• Upgrade to seamless gutters — stop overflow that leads to fascia rot.
• Contact Eastern Roof Technologies — get a written plan with photos and options.

Stop winter leaks where they start — at the edge. Get a same-week inspection and a clear, line-item plan from Eastern Roof Technologies. Book your free assessment