You can’t overthink the overhang
There’s no building code requirement for metal roof overhang, but a 1-inch to 3-inch overhang is standard.
You should base your metal roof overhang on your local climate and aesthetic preferences.
Roof overhang will help protect your fascia boards and roof decking from water, so it’s a crucial part of the roof system to get right.
Your roofing system is one of the most crucial parts of your home to make sure you get right. There are building codes for most aspects of roof installation and design, including the depth of your eaves and even where you place fasteners, but one area where the code is lacking is the roof overhang. While there’s no specific measurement required, between 1 and 3 inches is standard for metal roofs. In this guide, we’ll explain how to determine the ideal overhang for a metal roof and why it’s important.
Homeowners and contractors alike use the term “roof overhang” to refer to a few things, so a little clarification is in order before we get into the ideal roof overhang on a metal roof.
Eave overhang: “Roof overhang” can sometimes refer to how far your eaves extend beyond your exterior wall at the bottom of your gables. A more specific term for this is “eave overhang,” and the standard measurement is 12 inches. Building code requires under 24 inches unless the builder uses additional bracing for support.
Rake overhang: Some people use “roof overhang” as a general term for rake overhang, which is how far beyond the exterior wall your roof extends on the rake edge (the sloped side of a gable). Standard rake overhang is anywhere from 1 inch to 12 inches, and it can extend to 24 inches without additional support.
Roof overhang: The most accurate definition of “roof overhang” is how far beyond the fascia board your actual roofing material extends at the bottom of your roof slopes.
There are no general building code requirements for how much roof overhang you need on a metal roof. In most cases, though, accounting for between 1 and 3 inches beyond the fascia board is standard when measuring for a metal roof, depending on your climate and the look you’re going for on your home. A shorter overhang looks more modern and sleek, while a longer overhang provides better protection for your roof decking and fascia board, reducing the risk of water damage and rot.
There are a few important things to think about when hiring a roofer and discussing roof specifications to make sure you get the optimal metal roof overhang for visual appeal and property protection.
You can eliminate metal roof overhang entirely to achieve a sleek, modern appearance. Coupling a roof with no overhang with drip edge flashing can still protect your roof decking, although your fascia boards will see more exposure to rain and snowmelt and will be at a greater risk of rotting.
In areas with heavy snowfall and above-average rainfall, you should aim for between 2 and 4 inches of roof overhang, especially if you have a steep metal roof pitch. Doing so reduces the risk of water damage to your fascia and roof decking. You should avoid going beyond 4 inches because longer overhangs run the risk of snow loads bending the roof downward over time, which can detract from your home’s curb appeal.
For the best results and the lowest risk of property damage, consult with your local metal roof installer about what’s best for your area.
If you have gutters installed on your home, a metal roof overhang of 2 inches is ideal for directing water into the gutters for safe disposal. Extending the overhang beyond that can route water over your gutters, rendering them useless.
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Roc City Roofing, LLCI highly recommend for gutter cleaning. Very through job. I would hire again next year.
NIKOLAIStellar walked me through the roofing experience so there were no surprises. The installers arrived on time, went right to work, and worked straight through until the job was completed, including clean up. From beginning to end Stellar Roofing was professional, friendly, no surprises. I...
Stellar Roofing, Inc.I would highly recommend Eastside Roofing & Home repair. I received a call back shortly after my inquiry and had an estimate the next day. The work was done within 24 hrs. of my estimate and I am very satisfied with the results.
Elite XGen Home Improvements, LLCTerry is knowledgeable about his product and how they work. He did a great job in removing the organic growth from the roof and siding. If needed I would hire his services again.
Terry's Window WashingRick did a Great job. The transaction was effortless. He showed up to look at the job and was able to give me an estimate immediately. The price was great and he had the roof installed within a week.
Repair N Remodel LLCWe chose not to use his services as we decided to have all of the moldy plywood removed during our roof tear off. It was cheaper to remove and replace the plywood, than to have the remediation done.
Healthy SpacesThey did a spectacular job considering what they had to work with when they started. The roof is exceptional. I don't have any leaks and I don't have roof shingles blowing off in my yard or the neighbors' yard; it is wonderful. The thing that I was most impressed was that they cleaned up...
Very, very well. They did an amazing job and clean up after themselves. They quoted us a fair price that was thousands below other estimates we got. At first we thought it was to good to be true but they were lived up their name and more. They were kind and courteous through the whole job....
A Best Construction IncMatt : as far as i know at this point, You have not arrived to fix the roof leak coming from the bathroom vent fan, to the floor. please respond. Thanks Jeffrey W.. PS! I would have given you 5 stars if you had come when you promised.
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