Why Does My Roof Need An Overhang?

Have you ever wondered why your roof has that overhang? Is it just a décor thing or does it serve an actual purpose? Well there are many useful functions and purposes to the overhang on your roof and Dun-rite Roofing offers you a brief overview of what and why:

Water is kept off the Walls

This may be the most important function of roof overhangs. They won't keep the hard driven rain off 100%, but the difference in having an overhang versus not may surprise you. If your home was built with very narrow overhang, you will notice the paint, siding or stain will get damaged over time. Your home's doors and windows are protected with roof overhang as well.

Rain Is Directed Away From the Foundation

The wider the roof overhang, also referred to as the eaves, the better it keeps water away from the foundation, which in turn keeps your basement and crawlspace dry. Eaves also minimize splashback when it rains, which can cause damage such as rotting siding.

Windows Are Shaded

The eaves of your home also provide shade, which in this part of the country is a blessing during the hot summers.

Too Wide of an Overhang

Usually home builders will cut corners when it comes to the eaves however, it is possible to have them too wide. When the overhang is too wide, it darkens the house on the inside, making it gloomy looking. Even during the hottest time of the year, you want some sunlight coming inside. You also don't want the wider overhang to catch the high winds, which could rip the roof off.