Standard Roof Overhang Size

I ve always felt overhangs should generally be proportionate to the height of the building being constructed with some exceptions of course due to function.

Standard roof overhang size.

If the overhang exceeds 2 5 feet we will need to use a larger top chord for the overhang typically a 2 6 top chord for the truss. 12 foot eaves and under 12 inch overhangs. A typical metal roof overhang may be 2 to 4 inches or even less. For example a slope of 6 12 means for every 12 inches of horizontal distance the slope of the roof will rise 6 inches vertically.

This will protect a roof from most types of damage. 12 to 16 foot eaves 18 inch overhangs. The run or the base number is 12 inches. Pitch slope the pitch or slope is the incline of the roof expressed as a fraction describing the rise over the run.

Overhangs can vary from a few inches to a few feet depending on preference. Some slight overhang is recommended in conjunction with a drip edge flashing to prevent water from getting under the roofing and onto underlying wood. Metal is usually installed on rafters or strip sheathing rather than the solid decking used under other materials. With that in mind we kept a roof overhang at the eaves as it provides a nice shadow line and protects the second floor windows from a bit of the summer sun.

Cantilevered structures are popular for homes with balconies. Two feet is the general maximum length for a typical roof overhang. You can add 3 to 5 inches to the top. To create a cantilever properly you will need to know plenty about physics like torque and rotational equilibrium.

There will be some overlap which comes down to individual preferences. That said overhangs can extend as far as 2 without the need for external supports. At the rakes however with a nod to yankee frugality and clean modern lines we kept the roof trim as close to flush as practical while still allowing for a rain screen channel. The rise will be the elevation change over the 12 inches.

However the suggested width of an overhang is between 12 and 18 for eaves and no more than 8 for rakes.