I’ve seen some folks use peel-and-stick under the corners, but not sure if that’s really needed on a basic gable roof.
I wondered the same thing when I was researching. On my gable, I did end up using peel-and-stick along the eaves just for peace of mind. The metal edging definitely helps with runoff, but in my area (lots of freeze-thaw), I still noticed some minor ice damming last winter. Not enough to cause leaks, but enough that I’m glad I added that extra layer. If you’re not seeing any water backing up, you might be fine without it, but it’s one of those “better safe than sorry” deals for me.
Peel-and-stick is one of those things I always recommend, even on a basic gable. It’s not just about leaks—think about long-term durability and keeping stuff out of the landfill. If you ever decide to go solar or add a green roof later, you’ll be glad you’ve got that extra barrier in place. I get that it’s not “required,” but with unpredictable weather these days, I’d rather overdo it than risk tearing out soggy insulation down the road.
I get the logic behind peel-and-stick, but does it really make a difference if you’re in a milder climate? I’m in the Pacific Northwest, so we get rain but not crazy storms. Wondering if the extra cost pays off long-term, especially if you’re not planning solar.
I hear you on the cost thing. I actually skipped peel-and-stick when I redid my roof last year—also in the PNW, and my place is older with a low-ish pitch. My roofer said the regular underlayment would be fine unless I was worried about ice dams or planning to add solar panels down the road. We get a ton of rain, but honestly, I haven’t noticed any issues so far. Maybe if you’ve got a super exposed spot or a history of leaks, it’s worth it, but for most houses around here, I’m not convinced it’s a must-have.
I get where you’re coming from. When I did my roof (also PNW, 1940s house), I debated the peel-and-stick too. Ended up skipping it, but then a freak windstorm hit and I had a tiny leak at the eave. Not a disaster, but it made me wonder if the extra layer would’ve helped. Still, for most of the year, regular underlayment seems to hold up fine here. I guess it’s always a bit of a gamble with these old houses.