FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Main Menu Subscribe
How-To

Adding Roof Overhangs

Mike Guertin details 2 reliable methods for extending the eaves on a house to shed rainwater better.

By Mike Guertin Issue 138

Q:

Our house was built without eaves or overhangs. Water runs off the roof and floods our basement with almost every storm. How do I add eaves to my house?

Paul L. Roth, Murphysboro, IL

A:

Mike Guertin, a contributing editor to Fine Homebuilding, replies: Roof overhangs are a good idea on homes in most climates. Most home designs look better with overhangs. But they’re also functional. Overhangs shade windows from the summer sun, they help to keep water from dribbling off the roof and down the siding, and they’re a good place to hang gutters.

The installation of simple overhangs on a house involves nailing rafter extensions onto existing rafters. I limit the overhang to 2 ft. (wider overhangs would require some engineering to ensure adequate support).

Start conventional overhangs by taking off the existing fascia and any other trim that covers the rafter tails. Once the rafter tails and top of the wall plate are exposed, you should be able to see into the attic.

Determine the largest dimensional lumber you can slide between the roof sheathing and the plate (you don’t need a bird’s mouth on the extensions). This stock size is what you’ll need for the rafter extensions. Next, decide on an overhang distance, and cut rafter extensions that are three times the length of the overhang. Make a plumb cut on one end so that you don’t have to trim the exterior ends later.

Have a helper pass the extensions into the attic from the outside.Nail an extension to each rafter with spikes every 6 in. to 8 in. Swinging a hammer in the attic space might be awkward, but a framing nailer or palm nailer can make nailing easier.

If the attic space is limited or if there is loose-fill insulation in the attic, you’re better off installing the rafter extensions from the exterior.With this approach, you need to remove some roof sheathing, but only an amount equal to the length of the overhang. (With that much sheathing removed, you should be able to reach in the rest of the way to finish nailing).

Again, have the helper hold the rafter extension in place and gauge the distance of the overhang while you hold the extension against the rafter and the roof sheathing and nail it to the existing rafter with a framing nailer.

If narrow overhangs are all you need, say 8 in. or less, you might try a technique that Bob Syvanen wrote about in Dummy Rafter Tails way back in 1985. I’ve used this method when I’ve had trouble slipping in the rafter extensions.With this method, the rafter tails are individual blocks attached to a ledger board, and the overhang is put on in one piece.

With the rafter extensions installed, you can turn to trimming, sheathing and roofing. First, nail the subfascia and fascia to the rafter tails.Next, match the thickness of the existing roof sheathing as best as you can — within 1/8 in. of the existing material is good.

With roofing, you again have a couple of choices. If the roof shingles are either at or near the end of their life span, it might be a good time to consider stripping and reroofing the entire house. If you use new shingles, the new overhang will disappear into the roof.

If you don’t want to reroof, then you’ll have to settle for a less-than-perfect blend of shingle colors and courses. Your biggest problem may be finding roof shingles to match those on the house. Even if you know the brand and color, the difference between the old and new shingles is bound to stand out.

or more information and further reading:

  • Low-Maintenance Eaves
  • Roof-Overhang Design
  • West Coast Overhang

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Sign Up

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

×
X
X

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

View Comments

  1. User avater
    RhondaHMcNab | Apr 27, 2018 02:37am | #1

    Excellent idea's you share here!

  2. User avater
    EstelaTAustin | Jul 23, 2018 01:59am | #2

    I really like your blog. Well done!!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Featured Story

Myron stands in a room under construction with text on screen saying Drywall Hanging the Ceiling Recap

Hang Drywall on the Ceiling the Right Way

Follow along as Myron explains how to make straight seams and accurate holes for electrical boxes when hanging ceilings.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

In this episode of Shop Class, learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Built-ins for Odd Spaces

  • Widow's Walk: An Inside Look at an Uncommon Roof Feature

  • Drying in a Roof with ZIP System: Roof Edges

  • Drying in a Roof with ZIP System: Ridge and Penetrations

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

  • Fine Homebuilding All Access
  • Fine Homebuilding Podcast
  • Tool Tech

    Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

  • "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

    Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • View of home under construction with hip roof

    Widow's Walk: An Inside Look at an Uncommon Roof Feature

  • installing zip roof sheathing

    Drying in a Roof with ZIP System: Roof Edges

  • installing zip roof sheathing

    Drying in a Roof with ZIP System: Ridge and Penetrations

  • installing zip roof sheathing

    Drying in a Roof with ZIP System: Roof-To-Wall Transitions and Corners

View All

Trimwork

View All
  • odd-shaped cabinets

    Built-ins for Odd Spaces

  • scribing

    Scribing Made Simple

  • Exterior PVC Trim: Windows and Doors

  • how to install PVC blocking for plumbing and electric fixtures

    Exterior PVC Trim: Wire and Pipe Penetrations

View All

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition

    Buy Now
  • Fine Homebuilding Magazine Slipcase

    Buy Now
  • 2020 Fine Homebuilding Archive

    Buy Now
  • Musings of an Energy Nerd

    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 298 - April/May 2021

    • Butt Boards for Smooth Ceilings
    • Help Installing Gutters
    • Safety Bucket
  • Issue 297 - Feb/Mar 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Manage Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

    Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

    All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

    Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

    More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

    Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 52%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in