Which Roof Overhang is Best? Compare Your Options

When designing or remodeling your home's exterior, one important decision is choosing the right type of roof overhang. Overhangs serve crucial functions like protecting your home from rain, snow, and sun damage. They also enhance curb appeal when thoughtfully designed.

With several roof overhang styles to pick from, it can be tricky to select the best option for your specific needs.

What Exactly is a Roof Overhang?

A roof overhang refers to the part of a roof that extends past the exterior walls of a home. This protruding edge is also known as the eave. The overhang forms a canopy that shields the house from inclement weather.

On most homes, roof overhangs range from 12 to 24 inches in size. Wider overhangs of 3 feet or more provide even better protection. They also create deep shadow lines for visual interest.

Key Benefits of Overhangs

Well-designed overhangs offer many benefits:

• Prevent rain from dripping down exterior walls and causing damage
• Provide shade to cool your home in summer
• Protect doors, windows, and siding from snow/ice buildup in winter
• Allow proper drainage and airflow in the roof system
• Enhance architectural style and curb appeal

Overhang size, shape, and placement impact functionality. Consider climate, roof design, and aesthetic preferences when selecting an overhang.

Shed Overhang

A shed overhang has a single sloped plane that angles down away from the building. Shed overhangs are a common choice for homes with a gable roof or shed roof.

The sloped design encourages water to run off the roof instead of pooling. This makes shed overhangs highly effective for drainage.

They also add a charming look when used on cottage-style homes, cabins, or garden sheds. The angled appearance provides depth and shadow lines.

However, shed overhangs may not sufficiently protect multi-level homes. The single slope can allow water or snow to accumulate on lower roofs or splash onto walls.

Ideal Uses

• Simple roof lines like garden sheds
• Ranch houses or cabins
• Porch roofs
• Rear side of home

Considerations

• Provides drainage mainly in one direction
• Can allow snow/ice buildup on lower rooflines
• May not complement all architectural styles
• Exposed rafter tails require regular maintenance

Hip Overhang

Hip overhangs have angled eaves that slope downwards on all sides of the roof. The overhang follows the outline of the building, wrapping around any extensions or protrusions.

This multi-directional drainage makes hip overhangs ideal for homes with complex roof shapes. Water is directed away from all areas of the house.

The enclosed eave design also properly integrates with the roof for a cohesive, finished look. Hip overhangs suit many home styles but are especially complementary to bungalows and cottages.

Ideal Uses

• Homes with intersecting roof planes
• Areas that receive multi-directional weather
• Bungalow or cottage styles

Considerations

• More complex to build than shed overhangs
• Angled corners may attract nesting animals
• Can seem heavy or bulky on compact homes

Flat Overhang

As the name implies, flat overhangs have a straight, horizontal shape. There is no slope or pitch to these overhangs.

The simplicity of flat overhangs makes them useful in areas with space constraints. For example, small flat overhangs are often built over windows and doors when a protruding angled overhang would be awkward.

Flat overhangs integrate cleanly into modern home styles with straight lines. They provide subtle shadowing without dramatic angles.

However, the lack of pitch means flat overhangs are not the best for driving water runoff. Supplementary drainage systems are recommended in wet climates.

Ideal Uses

• Above doors, windows, and other openings
• Homes with contemporary/modern architecture
• Areas where sloped overhangs aren't possible

Considerations

• Limited drainage capability
• Can allow snow and moisture buildup
• Modern look not suited for all home styles

Gable Overhang

Gable overhangs are designed for homes with gable roofs. They are triangular in shape, filling the space underneath the sloping roofline on each gable end.

This angled overhang effectively sheds water, snow, and debris off the roof. The slope also provides shade and protection for attic windows or vents.

Gable overhangs are a common and versatile choice. They suit many home types from stately colonials to cozy craftsmen bungalows. The triangular lines lend a feeling of classic charm.

Ideal Uses

• Gable roof endings
• Upper story windows, doors, and vents
• Homes with traditional architecture

Considerations

• Triangular shape can seem visually heavy
• Slope directs runoff onto ground below
• May not cover lower roof planes

Awning Overhang

Awning overhangs are roof-like structures attached to a home's exterior wall. They are not connected to the main roof.

This detachable design provides flexibility. Homeowners can install awnings over patios, entryways, or decks to create shade only where needed.

Awnings are typically lightweight metal or fabric. This allows them to be retracted or removed seasonally. They provide customizable protection from sun, rain, and weather.

The ability to control awnings is useful for optimizing sun exposure. However, permanent roof overhangs tend to provide better year-round coverage.

Ideal Uses

• Patios and decks
• Above entryways
• Areas that need adjustable weather protection

Considerations

• Manual or motorized retraction required
• Fabric awnings need seasonal removal
• Can be expensive if custom-built

Additional Overhang Types

Beyond the major options we've compared, you may encounter some more unique overhang styles:

Retractable Awning

Retractable awnings are a subtype of awning overhangs. They provide the ability to roll back the overhang using a manual or electric mechanism. This allows for versatile control over sun and weather protection.

Juliet Awning

Juliet awnings have an arched or curved overhang shape. They are commonly installed over windows and entryways for decorative appeal, shade, and shelter.

Canopy Overhang

Canopy overhangs feature a steeply angled design that attaches to a wall. The dramatic slope and connection directly to the house provide substantial weather protection.

Factors in Choosing Your Overhang

Selecting the ideal overhang involves weighing several factors:

Climate Conditions

Homes in rainy regions need ample overhangs to prevent water damage. Areas with heavy snow benefit from sloped overhangs that prevent ice dams. Consider sun exposure too. Larger overhangs provide more shade and heat protection.

Roof Type and Layout

Coordinate your overhangs with the shape of your roof: shed overhangs for gable roofs, hipped overhangs for complex lines, etc. Account for multi-level roofs too.

Architectural Style

Overhang design should align with your home's aesthetics. For example, sleek modern homes suit flat overhangs, while cottages pair well with angled shed styles.

Budget

Custom overhangs and extensive miters can be expensive. Simpler shed and flat overhangs tend to be budget-friendly options.

Professional vs DIY Installation

Factor in time, skill, tools, and safety precautions if installing overhangs yourself vs. hiring a contractor.

To summarize the key differences in overhang types:

• Shed overhangs - Excellent directional drainage from angled slope
• Hip overhangs - Wrap around multi-directional drainage
• Flat overhangs - Subtle, space-saving, modern look
• Gable overhangs - Complement gabled roofs with triangular shade
• Awning overhangs - Customizable, removable weather protection

Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option. Account for visual appeal, practical drainage performance, and installation factors.

The right overhang design improves functionality, aesthetics, and home protection. Consult a roofing specialist to ensure proper overhang installation.