Gurrs Roofing Heating 
and Sheet Metal 
CALL US TODAY!
"Above All A GURRreat Roof!"
Serving Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada since 1965

Blog Post

The Benefits of Designing a Roof With a Larger Overhang

  • By Admin
  • 25 Oct, 2018
Roof Repairs Near Me — Beautiful Home Exterior at Night in Sparks, NV
Many roofing terms may sound esoteric or confusing, but the overhang of a roof is at least easy to understand. A roof's overhang is the amount of edge, or eave, protruding out past the walls of the home. A minimal overhang amount has become a modern design feature, but the streamlined look can actually damage your home, or at least increase the amount of maintenance.

A large overhang on a modern residential roof serves many functions, which is why they were so common in past building styles around the world. You might decide to incorporate one into your new roof's design after learning about these valuable benefits.

Drier Foundations and Basements

First, a large overhanging eave moves the drip line of the roof's edge farther away from the foundation of your home. Short to nonexistent overhangs drop water directly next to the side of the house, creating a serious erosion problem around the foundation that can lead to cracks or shifts which threaten the entire home. If you have a basement, you'll also notice more flooding and dampness problems if you lack a large overhang on the roof.

Reduced Need for Gutters

A large enough overhang on your roof's eaves may even eliminate the need for gutters altogether. Gutters capture and redirect water from a roof's drip line so it doesn't hit the ground around the foundation or basement. If you hate the look of gutters and want to avoid them at all costs, you'll need to rely on an oldfashioned, generously-sized overhang instead.

You may still need French drains buried in the ground to carry the water completely away from the home, but this depends on your local climate and how much rainfall the area receives per year. Many temperate areas with average rainfall are compatible with the use of a generous roof overhang with no need for gutters or French drains in order to keep your foundation dry and safe.

Cooler Homes in the Summer

A sizable overhang is one of the easiest ways to limit how much direct sunlight streams in through your windows during the summer. With the right angle of slope, the overhang reduces the heating effect of summer sunlight while still allowing plenty of light in as the sun dips closer to the horizon in the fall and winter.

If you're interested in an overhang to improve a home's energy efficiency, consult a sustainable home designer in addition to hiring a good roofing crew. Small changes in the exact angle and length of the roof edges can make a huge difference in the long-term efficiency of a design.

Longer Lasting Siding and Stucco

Direct rainfall striking the sides of your home leaves unsightly discoloration, fades and damages paint, causes rot or wear of siding, and can melt stucco entirely over time. Even the rain splashing back up after it falls close to the walls (due to a short eave overhang) speeds up the degradation of the home's walls.

Neater Entryways

Finally, don't forget about the simple benefit of having less mud forming in front of entryways and on paths leading around the home. Coming home from work or school during a rainstorm is far less annoying when you're covered from the rain by your roof by the time you reach the door. Taking a moment to find your keys won't leave you soaked if you choose to install an overhang that shelters you as you make a dash from your vehicle.

There are many more roof design tricks and tips we can share with you at Gurr Roofing Heating & Sheetmetal. Start thinking about your roof's details today by giving us a call.
By Admin 25 Oct, 2018
Tile Roofing: What You Need To Know

Numerous roofing systems are available to meet your budget and design needs. Roof tiles have a long history but they continue to be a popular choice in the residential and commercial markets due to their long-term performance.

Whether you are installing a roof in a new-build or you are undertaking a re-roofing project, read on to learn more about roof tiles, their advantages, and considerations for selecting the right tiles for your roof.
By Admin 25 Oct, 2018
Buying a new home can seem like an endless game of 20 Questions. You need to know more than a few things that about your potential new home before buying it. Along with how old the home is, the functionality of the plumbing, heating, and AC systems work, and major problems that could pose health or safety risks, you also need to ask questions about the roof.

What are the need-to-know facts about your potential new home's roof? Take a look at the questions that you should consider asking the seller before signing any contract.
By Admin 25 Oct, 2018
Is your home's aging roof in need of replacement? If so, you'll be wondering what material you should replace it with. You're not limited to replacing the roof with the same material since you'll now have many options available to you. Here are a few things to know about using cedar roofing for your home.
By Admin 25 Oct, 2018
Your roof won't last forever. Even the best quality products, installed with the highest craftsmanship standards, won't continue to function properly for an infinite period of time. At some point your roof will leak, shingles will curl and buckle, wood will rot, and the repair costs will start adding up. When this happens, it's time for a new roof.

Re-roofing a home is a major home improvement that you want to be done right the first time around. That means preparing for the project. What steps do you need to take before the first shingle, piece of metal or other roofing product goes on to your home? Take a look at the major factors that go into the planning process.
By Admin 25 Oct, 2018
Did a big storm come through your area and damage your roof? If so, you'll be wondering what steps you should take to get your roof repaired. It may be a while until you can get a professional roofer out to your home to repair the damage, and during that time, more water may come into your home. Here is what you need to know about temporarily repairing your roof until a professional can fix it.
By Admin 25 Oct, 2018
Your roof does more than simply sit at the top of your home. It keeps the elements out and helps the whole house function. When your roof starts failing, you can feel it everywhere. There are drafts, leaks and possibly damage to other areas of your home.

Replacing a roof is a major home-improvement project. That said, not every leak, crack or chipped shingle requires a full tear-off. Some types of damage and wear are easy to fix with a repair — from a qualified roofing professional, of course.
How can you decide whether you need a full roof replacement or just a repair? Take a look at some of the signs that your roof is in need of a repair and what you need to consider. Even though you can certainly replace your roof if you see some of these signs, get an expert's assessment before making any major decisions. The pros can tell you what's in your roof's best interest and what they can do to fix it correctly the first time around.
Share by: