what are eaves on a roof

Roof eaves are the edges of a roof that extend past a houses walls. They are usually comprised of two components: soffit and fascia. The soffit is the underside of the roofs eaves, while the fascia is the vertical facing board. Eaves serve both practical and aesthetic functions for a home. They help divert water and other precipitation off the shingles, away from the home, into gutters, or onto the ground, all of which can help protect the siding and foundation. Eaves can also help keep a basement dry and create shade on the side of the building, naturally helping to control your homes interior temperature, especially during the summer months. Additionally, eaves can protect the exterior walls from water damage and leaks. The style of eaves can vary depending on the design of the home, but typically, architects and home builders will use any of these four basic types of eaves: abbreviated eaves, boxed eaves, closed eaves, and open eaves.