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Installing a new roof is much more complicated than choosing the right shingles. There are several roofing components that you should know about so that you can ensure that your roof meets the right standards. One part of a roof that you should be aware of is the roof overhang.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the various types of roof overhangs that homeowners may encounter. Overhangs enhance a home’s aesthetic appeal and provide functional benefits, so keep reading and find out which type your home has.
But Wait? What Is A Roof Overhang?
A roof overhang, also known as an eave, is the portion of the roof that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building. It will protrude outward, creating a horizontal surface that hangs over the side of the structure. Overhangs can vary in size, design, and material makeup, depending on the architectural style and regional climate.
Benefits Of A Roof Overhang
Here is how roof overhangs help your property:
Provides Protection from the Elements:
Overhangs act as a shield, safeguarding your home’s exterior walls, windows, and entryways from harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or intense sunlight. This added layer of protection can greatly extend the lifespan of these surfaces.
Improves Energy Efficiency:
By providing shade over windows and walls, overhangs help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home during hot summer months. This natural shading effect can lower cooling costs and decrease reliance on air conditioning systems.
Enhances Curb Appeal:
Overhangs add to the appearance of your home by adding architectural interest and depth to your home’s exterior. With various styles available, you can find a roof and overhang design combo.
Expands Your Living Space:
For homes with covered patios or porches, overhangs effectively increase the amount of usable outdoor living area by providing shelter from direct sun exposure and precipitation.
Standard Types Of Roof Overhangs
Now that you know the benefits that overhangs provide to your home, we’ll go over some of the most common types of roof overhangs. Typically, the style of the overhang is modeled after the type of roof you have, and therefore, is named for the type of roofing style it complements. Here are a few different types of overhangs you might come across:
#1 Gable Roof Overhang
Gable roofs are by far the most common type of roofing system you see on the Gulf Coast. This roofing style provides a simple, classic triangular shape at the top, that resembles the type of roofs children draw.
A gable roof overhang is a classic design that complements the triangular shape formed by two sloping roof sections meeting at a ridge. These overhangs can be open, exposing the structural elements like rafters or trusses for a rustic look, or they can be enclosed, with a soffit and fascia for a more finished appearance.
#2 Hip Roof Overhang
Hip roofs are probably the most common roofing style after gable roofs in residential construction. Like their gable counterparts, they feature sloping sides that come together at a ridge. However, the difference here is that the hip roof overhang extends to all four sides of the roof instead of just two, creating a pyramid-like shape.
This design offers increased stability and better protection against harsh weather conditions. Hip roof overhangs can take various forms to suit different architectural preferences. They can also be open, or boxed in with soffits and fascia for a sleek and modern appearance.
#3 Mansard Roof Overhang
This type of roof and its matching overhang is quite popular in Southeastern regions.These overhangs are formed by the steep lower slope of the Mansard roof and extend a significant distance from the outer walls of the building. Typically closed, these overhangs also contribute to the architectural elegance of a building, offering a finished, refined look that enhances the overall design.
#4 Gambrel Roof Overhang
You might not find gambrel roofs in urban settings, but they are a popular choice for barns and certain traditional roofing styles. A gambrel roof features two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being steeper than the upper one, creating a distinctive barn-like profile.
Gambrel roof overhangs follow the same two-sloped design, with the lower overhang portion extending further out. Their unique design allows them to fare well against rainwater and snow.
#5 Flat Roof Overhang
Flat roofing systems were not very common in the residential roofing industry. However, this trend has drastically changed as homeowners move away from traditional housing styles.
Flat roofs are now a popular choice for new roof installations. They offer a minimalistic, contemporary look that complements the clean lines of modern architecture.
Although flat roofs may seem simple, their overhangs require careful consideration to ensure proper functioning. You’ll want to ensure at least 24 inches of overhang in order to protect the lower windows and doors from leaks.
These overhangs tend to be minimalistic, extending beyond the exterior walls to provide shade and protection, or you have the choice to use various materials, such as wood, metal, or composite material.
#6 Shed Roof Overhang
Unlike other roofing styles with multiple sloping planes, shed roofs feature a single, slanted roof overhang that sheds water in one direction. While simple in design, shed roof overhangs serve practical purposes. They typically extend along one side of the building, allowing for customization to cover specific areas like windows and front entrances.
For homes with a front porch or outdoor living area, a well-designed shed roof overhang can effectively prevent those spaces from getting drenched during heavy rains in Mississippi.
Special Types Of Overhangs
While the previous section covered traditional or standard roof overhangs, there are also some unique overhang designs that don’t necessarily follow the typical styles. These special types can add character and functionality to a home’s exterior.
Pergola Roof Overhang
Pergolas are outdoor structures with an open roof made of beams and rafters, creating a cross-like pattern. These are often used to define an outdoor living space, providing you with a space where you can rest and enjoy your backyard. But nowadays, pergola roofs are a good option for your front porch too. You can add them to the side or back of your home to extend over, and add character to a patio.
Awning Overhangs
Awning overhangs are a versatile and multi-purpose addition that can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of a home. You might have seen them in different colors outside several shops.
These overhangs allow for adjustable shade and weather protection. Commonly installed above patios, homeowners are now using them in the front of their homes too. Protecting windows, doors, or outdoor living spaces, awning overhangs serve as a barrier against harsh sunlight, rain, and other weather conditions. Apart from this, this type of roof overhang can also contribute to improved energy efficiency by reducing the amount of direct sunlight that enters through your windows.
What Is A Retractable Awning?
One popular option you can choose is the retractable awning, which allows for adjustable shade and weather protection that can be extended or retracted as needed. These come with a crank or motorized function that you can use to put the awning back in its place.
Hexagonal Overhangs
Hexagon roofs are extremely rare to find, but if you are a homeowner who wants to make your property really stand out, this roof and overhang combo is a great idea. This option has six sides forming a polygon shape that juts out from the roofline. However, you should keep in mind that because of its unique shape, this structure can be more expensive to construct.
Are You Trying To Install A New Roof? We Can Help!
Renova Roofing & Construction is a premier roofing company serving Mississippi and other areas of the Gulf Coast neighborhoods. Whether you want to install a new gable roof or are looking for something a little more stylish, we can help you get a roof that lasts for years to come.
We also offer free roof inspections and both residential and commercial roof repairs. Contact us today at (601) 647-3433 to speak with one of our experts and learn more.