What part of the house are the eaves?

The eaves are the parts of the roof that overhang the exterior walls of a house. They extend outward from the edges of the roof, typically where the roof meets the top of the walls, and can be found along the edges of the gables (the triangular part of the roof at the end of a building) or along the entire perimeter of a sloped roof. Essentially, the eaves are the lower edges of the roof that project beyond the walls to provide various benefits like water runoff management, shading, and architectural aesthetics.

Key Features of Eaves:

• Location: Found at the edge of the roof, extending outward from the building's main structure.
• Structure: Eaves often consist of a combination of the soffit (the underside), fascia (the front edge), and sometimes decorative features such as cornices.
• Function: Eaves play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from the walls, protecting the foundation, and helping with ventilation in the attic.

Common Terms Associated with Eaves:

1. Soffit: The underside of the eaves, often vented for attic airflow.
2. Fascia: The board that runs along the edge of the roof, just beneath the eaves, often holding the gutters in place.
3. Overhang: The horizontal extension of the eaves beyond the house's exterior wall.
4. Eave Trough/Gutter: The system installed under the eaves to collect and direct rainwater away from the house.

Where Are Eaves Located on the House?

• Along the roofline: Running around the entire perimeter of the house or just along certain sections (like over windows, doors, or entryways).
• At the roof's edge: The eaves project outward from the edge of the sloping roof, extending away from the building.

In summary, eaves are the overhanging edges of the roof that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, protecting your home from the elements while adding to its overall design.