The eaves of a house are the edges of the roof that overhang the walls. The eaves play an important role in protecting the house from water damage and regulating temperature. Here is everything you need to know about house eaves and roof eaves.

What Are Eaves?

The eaves are the lower edges of a pitched roof that overhang the walls of a house. The eaves form a overhanging edge that projects out past the walls.

The eaves serve several key functions:

Direct rainwater away from the walls – The overhang of the eaves allows water dripping off the roof to fall freely to the ground before reaching the walls. This helps protect the walls and foundation from water damage.
Provide shade and cooling – The eaves create shade that helps cool the walls and windows underneath. This can reduce heat gain during hot weather.
Protect siding and trim – By keeping the upper walls dry, the eaves help prevent moisture damage to exterior siding, trim, and windows.
Add architectural style – Eaves contribute to the visual style and curb appeal of a home. Different eave designs create different architectural looks.

Eave Anatomy

The eaves contain several architectural elements:

Fascia board – This is the horizontal board attached to the end of the roof rafters. Gutters are often mounted to the fascia.
Soffit – The soffit is the underside surface of the eave. It covers the horizontal space between the walls and the fascia.
Rafter tails – On open eaves, the rafter tails are visible and extend past the walls. They give the eaves a rustic, exposed look.
Cornice – A decorative molding or trim piece along the top edge of the fascia is called the cornice. It provides an elegant finish.
Gutters – Rain gutters are typically installed along the outer edge of the eaves to catch and divert water.

Different Types of Eaves

There are a few main types of eaves found on most homes:

Open Eaves

Open eaves have exposed rafter tails and an open soffit space. This gives the eaves a more rustic, architectural look. Open eaves work well with craftsman, rustic, and farmhouse style homes.

Box Eaves

Box eaves enclose the soffit space with boards creating a closed “boxed” look. The rafter tails are hidden from view. This gives a smoother, more finished appearance. Box eaves complement colonial, traditional, and modern house styles.

Overhang Eaves

Overhang eaves are very short with only a slight projection past the walls. The rafter tails are often exposed. Minimal overhangs create a sleek, contemporary look.

Extended Eaves

Extended eaves have a deep overhang, extending two feet or more past the walls. This exaggerated overhang provides maximum weather protection and architectural drama.

Eave Materials

Eaves can be constructed from a variety of materials to coordinate with the roofing and style of the home.

Wood – The most common eave material. Painted or stained wood eaves complement many home styles. Cedar and redwood have natural resistance to rot.
Aluminum – Low maintenance option. Prefabricated aluminum eaves are long lasting. Often seen on ranch style homes.
Stucco – Can match eaves to stucco walled homes. Provides a Mediterranean style.
Brick or Stone – Masonry eave veneers for a sturdy, decorative appearance. Works with brick houses.
Vinyl – Affordable and low maintenance. Cellular PVC vinyl is rot resistant but can look obviously artificial.
Composite – Blends synthetic and natural materials for a durable but authentic wood-like look. Popular for boxed eaves.

Benefits of Well-Designed Eaves

Carefully designing and constructing the eaves for both form and function provides many benefits:

Direct rainwater away from the house foundation
Prevent exterior walls leaks and damage
Add shade to cool the home in summer
Reduce glare through windows
Protect doors and entries from the elements
Contribute to the home’s architectural style
Increase curb appeal and resale value

Here are some best practices for well-designed eaves:

Overhang eaves 24-30 inches past walls
Use complete gutters, downspouts, and drainage
Choose eave materials that are durable, low maintenance, and visually appealing
Use overhangs, cornices, and other details to enhance visual style
Inspect eaves regularly and keep them in good repair
Keep gutters clean and properly pitched to drain well

Properly constructed eaves with sufficient overhangs prevent countless home repairs and maintenance headaches.

Eave Maintenance Tips

To maximize the lifespan of your eaves and prevent costly repairs, follow these eave maintenance tips:

Inspect eaves and soffits twice per year for damage, rot, or leaks. Look for dark stains or peeling paint. Probe wood with a screwdriver to test for soft spots.
Repair any loose soffit panels, fascia boards, or rafter tails immediately to prevent further water infiltration.
Clean out gutters and downspouts regularly. Clogged gutters can lead to eave and soffit damage.
Re-paint or re-stain eaves every 5-7 years to protect from moisture and sun damage. Prep and repair any damaged wood first.
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from the eaves. This prevents pests and allows airflow.
Seal any gaps, holes, or rotted areas in the soffit with caulk. This keeps insects and birds out.
Replace any deteriorated fascia, soffit, or trim boards. Use pressure-treated wood or composite materials.
Add gutter guards to keep leaves and debris out. This improves drainage and prevents clogs.
Redirect any sprinklers or drainage away from the eaves and foundation. Standing water can infiltrate and damage the eave structures.

With routine maintenance and immediate repair of any damage, your eaves should hold up for decades before needing replacement.

Signs Your Eaves Need Repair

Watch for these warning signs that your eaves may be compromised and in need of repair:

Visible sagging, warped, or deteriorated wood
Downspouts overflowing during rain due to clogged gutters
Peeling exterior paint or spots of obvious damage
Moss, mold, or mildew growth on eaves or sheathing
Stains on interior walls or ceilings below eaves
Tunneling wasps, bees, or signs of pests entering via eaves
Gaps or holes in soffits, fascia, or trim
Poor drainage of rainwater from roof and gutters

If you spot any of these issues, thoroughly inspect the affected eaves and make all necessary repairs immediately. Delaying eave repairs can lead to expensive water and pest damage.

Improving Inadequate Eaves

If your eaves are too narrow or short, it is possible to improve them:

Widen overhang – Sister on additional rafter tails and fascia board to create a larger overhang.

Add roof extension – Install new “false” rafters and sub-fascia over the existing eaves to extend outward.

Replace fascia – Removing the fascia allows the roofline to extend lower down for a deeper overhang.

Add separate awning – A secondary water diversion awning can be added below existing eaves for more protection.

Extend gutter out – Dropping gutter down past roof line and rafter tails elongates the overhang.

Add decorative elements – Cornices, soffit vents, and trims pieces visually widen the eaves.

Even an extra 6 inches of overhang can improve water runoff and prevent wall leaks. Consult a roofing contractor on the best option for improving inadequate eaves.

Unique Eave Designs

Creative eave designs can really make a home stand out. Here are some unique eave style ideas:

Flared eaves – Eaves angle upward at corners creating a flared shape. Dynamic and contemporary.
Curved eaves – Graceful concave or convex curved eave contours add flow. Requires special fabrication.
Prow eaves – A prow eave comes to dramatic point, like on a ship’s bow. Striking on gables.
Bellcast eaves – Bell shaped eave overhang, largest at the bottom. Throwback to medieval cottages.
Brackets – Decorative exposed rafter tails and beams under eaves, supported by brackets. Craftsman style.
Exposed rafters – Rafter tails and roof beams left exposed under open eaves. Rustic yet architectural.
Multi-tone – Contrasting colors on fascia and soffits create visual interest. Works on complex eaves.
Lighting – Up-lights or down-lights built into the eaves provide beautiful illumination.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and use unique eave designs to enhance your home’s architecture and style.

Working With Gutter Contractors

When it’s time to install new or replace existing gutters, hiring a professional gutter contractor is recommended. Here are some tips for finding the right gutter pro:

Get at least 3 bids to compare craftsmanship and pricing
Verify they are fully licensed, bonded, and insured
Ask how long they have been specializing in gutters
Request references from recent customers
Make sure they will provide a detailed written quote
Inquire about any warranties or guarantees on materials and labor
Ask what types, brands and materials of gutters they recommend and install
Make sure they will properly slope and seal all seams
Confirm they will clean up thoroughly after the job
Schedule the work during dry weather if possible

Taking the time to vet and hire a qualified gutter contractor will ensure your new gutters will protect your eaves and home for years to come.

Signs You Need New Gutters

Don’t wait until it’s too late – watch for these signs you need new rain gutters:

Gutters are overflowing when it rains, leaking water down the sides of the house
Downspouts are leaking at the seams when it rains
Gutters are clogged with leaves, even after cleaning
There are holes, cracks, dents, or rust spots anywhere on the gutters
Gutter seams no longer lie flat and are separating
Sections of gutter have fallen off the house
Gutter sags in one or more sections
Paint is peeling badly on metal gutters
Wood gutters and soffits are rotting, warped, or pulling away
Mold or mildew is growing on the gutters or downspouts

Don’t wait for a gutter failure that can damage your roofline or siding. Schedule gutter replacement as soon as any of these warning signs appear.

Questions and Answers About House Eaves and Roof Eaves

Here are some common questions and answers about house and roof eaves:

How far should eaves extend past the house?

The optimal eave overhang is usually between 24-30 inches. This allows enough space for proper gutter drainage while providing ideal shade and weather protection.

Do I need gutters on my eaves?

Adding gutters is highly recommended to control rain runoff. Without gutters, water can soak walls, leak into basements, and damage landscaping.

Can I install a deeper overhang to widen my existing eaves?

Yes, it is possible to sister on additional support members to create a deeper eave overhang. Consult a roofing contractor on the best method.

What causes eaves to rot and deteriorate?

Eaves most commonly rot due to trapped moisture. This can be from rainwater leaks, poor attic ventilation, ice dams, or clogged gutters.

Should I use fascia board or drip edge under my roof shingles?

Drip edge is better at directing water away from the roof edge. But fascia board can also work if properly installed with good shingle overhang.

Do closed eaves (boxed) help keep pests out of the attic?

Yes, enclosing the eaves helps deter birds, bats, bees, and other pests from entering attic spaces. Making sure soffits are sealed is key.

How often should eaves be repainted?

Eaves should be repainted every 5-7 years to maintain the protective finish and prevent moisture damage. More frequent touch ups may be needed on south or west facing eaves.

What is the best eave ventilation system?

Continuous soffit ventilation paired with ridge vents creates ideal passive attic air circulation. Power vents can also be added for maximum airflow.

Can missing shingles along the eaves cause interior water damage?

Absolutely. Missing or damaged shingles near the roof edge can allow water intrusion, leading to interior ceiling and wall damage if left unrepaired.

Conclusion

Well-designed eaves with proper overhangs are critically important for protecting your home from water infiltration. Keeping your eaves in good repair with routine maintenance, prompt repairs, and gutter cleaning will save you countless headaches down the road. Use sound construction techniques and aesthetically pleasing styles to create eaves that will stand the test of time while enhancing your home’s curb appeal. With a bit of attention, your eaves will provide protection and architectural detail for years to come.

What to Know About House Eaves and Roof Eaves