If you're a new home owner, you may have heard the term "eaves" thrown around in conversation about your house. But what exactly are eaves, and why are they important?
In this blog post, we'll explain what eaves are, what their function is, and how they impact a home's design and liveability.
So, let's start with the basics: what are eaves?
Eaves are the part of a roof that overhangs the exterior walls of a house. They're located at the bottom edge of the roof and can extend up to 600mm (in most project homes) beyond the wall. Eaves can be found on all types of roofs, from traditional gable roofs to modern flat roofs.
The video below shows how eaves are framed out from external brickwork.
Eave Framing - YouTube
Now that we know what eaves are, let's talk about their function. Eaves serve several important purposes. First and foremost, they protect the exterior walls of a house from rain, snow, and other types of precipitation.
Without eaves, water would run down the walls and eventually find its way into the house, causing damage to the walls, insulation, and even the interior of the house.
Eaves also provide shade and help regulate the temperature inside the house. During the summer months, when the sun is high in the sky, eaves can provide shade to windows and walls, keeping the interior of the house cool and reducing the need for air conditioning.
In the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, eaves allow sunlight to enter the house, providing natural warmth and reducing the need for heating.
Eaves also help keep water away from a home’s foundation. When it rains, water runs off the roof onto the eaves, which channel it away from the base of the house and out into the yard. This reduces the risk of foundation damage—repairs for which can be costly.
Now that we've covered what eaves are and what their function is, let's talk about how they impact a home's design and liveability. Eaves can have a big impact on the look and feel of a house. They can make a house look more traditional and cozy, or more modern and sleek, depending on the style of the eaves.
From a liveability perspective, eaves can have a big impact on how comfortable a home feels. As mentioned earlier, they provide shade and help regulate indoor temperatures—something you’ll appreciate in summer when the heat climbs and air conditioning costs rise. They also offer protection for outdoor areas like patios and decks, keeping them drier and more usable throughout the year.
In conclusion, eaves may seem like a small detail, but they play an important role in protecting a house from the elements, regulating the temperature inside the house, and enhancing the overall look and feel of a home. Whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one, it's important to consider the design and function of eaves to ensure that your house is comfortable, liveable, and protected from the elements.
Anthony Painter
Anthony Painter
Anthony Painter
Anthony Painter
Anthony Painter
Anthony Painter
Anthony Painter
Anthony Painter
Anthony Painter
