What Are Roof Eaves and What Is Their Purpose?

Your home’s roof is made up of various components that work together to protect it from weather and other damage. Roof eaves play an important role in this protection, overhanging the side of the house to provide shade, help water runoff, and protect your siding and foundation from damage. Learn more about eaves and why they’re so important to your home’s safety and stability.

What Are Roof Eaves?

A roof eave is the edge section of the roof that overhangs the side of the house, extending out anywhere from 12 to 36 inches or more from the house’s outer walls. They direct water away from the side of the house, protecting the walls and foundation from water intrusion. 

In sunny areas, eaves also provide sun protection, preventing the hot sun from beating down directly onto the siding and into windows. Eaves also contribute to your house’s aesthetic appeal, complementing its style and boosting its curb appeal. 

Eaves are often confused with other parts of the roof, like soffits and fascia, which are found in the same area of the roof but play very different roles. The soffit attaches to the eave on the underside, covering exposed rafters and providing a finished look to the eaves. Fascia are boards installed at the edge of the eaves, protecting the ends of the rafters and providing a surface to attach gutters. 

Types of Roof Eaves

Not all eaves are the same—they vary based on the style of home as well as the homeowner’s aesthetic preference. There are four main types of eaves: open, closed (also called soffited), abbreviated, and boxed.

Open

Open eaves don’t have a soffit, so the underside of the eave exposes the rafters. Open eaves are often found in rustic or cabin-style homes.

Closed/Soffited

Closed or soffited eaves have a soffit installed on the underside of the eave, providing a finished look and protecting the rafters. Closed eaves are a popular choice in more traditional-style homes like colonials or Cape Cod-style houses.

Abbreviated

Abbreviated eaves are much shorter than traditional eaves, sometimes extending only a few inches past the exterior walls. Abbreviated eaves are often found on modern or minimalist-style homes.

Boxed

Boxed eaves have an attached soffit as well as ornamental molding to fully enclose the eave, leaving only small holes or slits for ventilation. Boxed eaves offer a sleek, polished option for homeowners who prefer a fully finished look.

Roof Eaves Pros and Cons

Eaves are an important part of protecting your home, but they do come with some drawbacks. Let’s take a look at how the benefits and drawbacks stack up against each other.

Roof Eaves Maintenance

Like any other part of your roof, eaves require maintenance to keep them functioning properly. 

• Regularly inspect eaves for debris, moss, mold, or evidence of pest activity.

• Hire a roofer for an in-depth inspection if you notice any problems with your roof or eaves.

• Clean gutters regularly to prevent excess weight from damaging the eaves.

• If you notice cracks, holes, or discoloration on your eaves, contact a local roofer to repair the problem before it becomes more serious.

Paint any exposed parts of the eaves, soffits, and fascia every three to five years to protect against deterioration and keep your eaves looking fresh. Budget for the cost of fascia or soffit repair or replacement if the materials have deteriorated.