How important is a drip edge??

Drip edge is very useful, as it protects the edge of the wooden roof deck from moisture, and helps keep it from rotting. If it gets wet on any sort of regular schedule, it will rot faster and need to be replaced.

The cracks in the chimney should be sealed, as water may get in there and freeze, expanding the crack and flaking off pieces of brick.

If you ignore these, they will get worse, and become more expensive to fix later on. If you have to do only one, the drip edge could lead to much more expensive problems, in my opinion. If you can't do both right now, pick one and do it this year, and the other next year.

Is Drip Edge Necessary

The Felt Paper can be used on top of the drip edge if wanted but really is not needed at all . Its Old School to use Felt paper . As long as the Roofing is hanging over from 1/2 to 1 ince over you should be fine ! But on top of the Drip edge even with the edge is fine . No Tar needed .

If your roof extends about 3/4" beyond the sheathing at the gutters and about 1/2" at the eaves and rakes, it won't improve much; but will look nice. If the above dimensions have not been met, you really ought to install drip edge. Not knowing what your chimney is made of, there are some very good penetrating sealants that won't change the appearance of your brick, stucco, etc. The Enviroseal Corp. makes various masonry sealing products which I've had excellent luck with.

Usually, the first thing to go on a roof without a drip edge is the part that doesn't have a drip edge. This is the only area of a roof left exposed (not completely covered and sealed by the roofing material). As such, it will weather and rot quickly if not covered by a drip edge.

Consider the cost of the drip edge versus the cost of having to replace the edges of the roof later on. I can assure you it will cost more than $2500 to strip off the old roof, replace the rotting wood, install the drip edge, and install a new roof.

I would suggest both having the drip edge installed and the cracks in your chimney repaired.

Drip edges protect the OSB or plywood edge from getting wet and rotting. the shingles cover the top, but the drip edge covers the front face.

A crack in your chimney will become worse in time. the flue liner is probably clay tile, and it absorbs moisture. when it absorbs moisture, ash sticks to it easier allowing for chimney fires. Also the rain will eat out the mortar around your chimney and continue to deteriorate. repairing it now will be less expensive then repairing it down the road.

drip edge is supposed to keep water from seeping back underneath your shingles and rotting your decking