Flat Roof Soffit Overhang

For instance i think that in heavy snow country large overhangs can lead to ice dams forming on the overhangs snow melting.

Flat roof soffit overhang. Damage is also caused by birds and squirrels nesting inside eaves. The exposed timber rafters and decking are susceptible to ignition and. Even if most people don t register what it is that makes a home seem special using a sloped soffit is an easy way to make a home look old or built with more craftsmanship than typical new homes. The goal is to balance the amount of solar heat gain and amount of shading.

Proceed with extreme caution when using a flat soffit. The default in eave design is a flat soffit. And once water has seeped in the rot spreads quickly because the wood stays soggy inside the dark dank space. Closed eaves with flat soffit and no raised heel.

Soffits a soffit encloses the underside of sloped or flat roof overhangs. While flat soffits work well in some situations in most they result in pork chop eave returns. See below i need to acknowledge there are some good reasons in some places to not have a large overhang. Overhangs are common in most house designs providing protection against both wind and rain.

To determine the number of squares of soffit required measure the under eave areas and multiply the length by the width for each overhang. When you do use a flat soffit make sure to include a raised heel on the truss. The length of the overhang depends primarily on the climate. The siding underneath the overhang is known as the soffit.

Add up the total of all overhangs and divide the total by 100 to determine the number of squares. Soffits are commonly constructed from fiber cement panels metal panels stucco vinyl panels or wood sheathing. Soffited eaves and gable overhangs are susceptible to water damage caused by ice dams improper flashing torn shingles and faulty gutters. Closed eaves with flat soffit and raised heel.

In hot climates the general rule of thumb is to lengthen and extend the overhang. Metal panels untreated wood panels and vinyl attic vents figure 1. These guidelines are useful in the construction of any gable or any cantilevered or flat roof.