What rake edge means
The rake is the sloped edge of a roof at a gable end, running from the eave up to the ridge. It is finished with a rake board or trim and a drip edge.
Also called rake, gable edge.
Where it matters on a roofing job
Wind gets under shingles at the rake first, so a loose rake edge is a common storm callback. When you measure for drip edge and starter, count rake length separately from eave length, because the two get different details and the underlayment laps them differently.
What the model code says
- Underlayment goes over the drip edge along the eaves but under the drip edge along the rakes. (IRC 2021, Chapter 9)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for rake edge before you quote.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Roofing materials calculator
- Licensing: Roofing license rules by state
- Tools, templates and guides: Free roofing resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 9, Roof Assemblies (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.