Eave overhang on hip roof

11 years ago

I am located at 40 degrees north latitude and my windows are mostly 4' tall, on an 8' wall. I will have them as high in the wall as possible which will mean about 8" or so from the top of the wall to keep things simple. I was using Overhang Designer and playing with the figures. I am currently trying to decide between 2' or 3' overhang...just about to call it a wash and go with the middle of a 30" overhang.

With a 2' overhang I get most if not all the sun in the Dec/Jan which tapers to more shade as the months progress and get full coverage for the hottest months. With 3' I get more warm days with full coverage, but I lose more sun for the colder months. I am leaning towards 2' because of this, but wondering if there is any reason to choose 2' over 3' or vice-versa in my location with these sizes of window.

Any suggestion or input would be nice to reflect on, the truss company said it's up to my personal preference which doesn't help me make the choice.

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Comments (6)

razamatazzy
11 years ago
What does 3' look like on the exterior. I like a hip roof but sometimes the long eaves protrude too close to the top of the windows making them look cut off or not balanced.

Are there any issues with rain splatter on the windows making them dirty, if the eaves are too short?
Nicoletta
Original Author
11 years ago
I decided on 2' after playing with the simulator more. 3' + the gutters would be a bit much unless I was building my house for a southern exposure with a bunch of windows on the south side for winter solar gain.

2' is still more than standard, and I think the benefits are tenfold to have 2' over no overhang or very little.
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User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
With such high window sills and large roof overhang I suspect the house will be dark unless you install skylights. And you won't be able to see much when seated.
gwlake
11 years ago
We have a hip roof and 24" eaves. My father suggested the eave size and I love it. Most homes have 18" here. There is just something about looking at the house and seeing the eaves. Love!! I do see that the house is shaded rather well with the 24 inch eaves. I could not imagine 3ft.
cpartist
11 years ago
I am doing 32" eaves but I am in FL so it will definitely help.
User
11 years ago
Well ... how much do you really NEED that solar gain or shade?

Give us a clue where you live - because elevation and prevailing climate are as important as just latitude.