Overhangs are a key part of any home s design.
Good roof overhang for sunny climates.
The best roof for rainy climate varies from asphalt shingles slate and or pitched roof.
South facing windows can effectively be shaded with fixed overhangs because in the summer the sun is much higher in the sky than in the winter when that sunlight is beneficial for heating.
Roof overhangs provide shade.
In a cold climate the primary purpose of ventilation is to maintain a cold roof temperature to avoid ice dams created by melting snow and to vent any moisture that moves from the conditioned.
They are critical to shade windows from undesired solar heat.
Best roof for rainy climate.
Roof overhangs for summer shade and moisture protection.
Do not undervalue their importance.
In general roof overhangs offer an effective solution for how to protect windows doors and entryways.
See below i need to acknowledge there are some good reasons in some places to not have a large overhang.
For instance i think that in heavy snow country large overhangs can lead to ice dams forming on the overhangs snow melting.
Much of the united states falls into this category especially along the coasts.
In very hot climates many designers specify a hipped roof since a hipped roof with wide roof overhangs will keep the sun off the windows on all four sides of the house.
Some decades ago along with modern design principles there came the widespread vogue of flat roofs and no roof overhangs.
If the roof overhang is not big enough then the only way to protect these windows doors and entryways is by recessing them into the thick exterior wall or by installing special casing and flashing for each door or entryway.
And also to protect exterior walls doors and windows from rainwater while keeping the foundation dry.
Cross index the 36 row and the mixed climate column and the recommended values are an overhang depth of 4 0 and a height above the window of 2 8.
With fixed overhangs overheating in the fall months may still be a concern because by then the sun is lower in the sky while the outdoor temperatures may still be fairly high.
These kinds of roofs are rampant across the northern part of the us largely due to their ability to withstand cold climate elements like wind snow and heavy rain.
In moderate climates there is some damage of wood decay and a roof overhang is recommended.
In very rainy climates where water and moisture can contribute to siding rot deep roof overhangs will protect your exterior walls and foundation.
If durability is your primary goal a metal roof made from either steel or aluminum is an excellent option for your roof.
