The Benefits and Types of Overhangs for Your Building
Overhangs are the parts of a roof that extend beyond the exterior walls of a building. These can include things like chimneys, skylights, and dormers. Overhangs provide several benefits, including:
1. Protection from the elements: Overhangs help to protect the walls and windows of a building from exposure to rain, snow, and sunlight. They also help to prevent water from accumulating on the roof and causing damage.
2. Aesthetic appeal: Overhangs can add visual interest to a building's exterior, particularly if they are designed with decorative features like brackets or finials.
3. Increased living space: In some cases, overhangs can be used to create additional living space, such as a covered porch or balcony.
4. Energy efficiency: Overhangs can help to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter by blocking direct sunlight and providing shade.
5. Structural support: Overhangs can also provide structural support for the roof, helping to distribute the weight of the roofing materials evenly and preventing collapse.
There are several different types of overhangs, including:
1. Eaves overhangs: These are the most common type of overhang and are typically found on homes with gabled roofs. They extend outward from the eaves (the lower edge of the roof) and provide protection from the elements.
2. Gable overhangs: These are similar to eaves overhangs, but they extend outward from the gables (the triangular sections of the roof) instead.
3. Hip overhangs: These are found on buildings with hip roofs, which have four sloping sides that meet at the top. Hip overhangs extend outward from the hips and provide additional protection from the elements.
4. Valley overhangs: These are found on buildings with valley roofs, which have a flat section of roof where two sloping sections meet. Valley overhangs extend outward from the valleys and help to protect the roof from water accumulation.
5. Skillion overhangs: These are found on buildings with skillion roofs, which have a single slope that runs from the eaves to the ridge (the highest point of the roof). Skillion overhangs extend outward from the eaves and provide additional living space.