Eave
The eave is the lower edge of a roof that overhangs the exterior wall, providing shade and directing water away from the building foundation.
Eave overhang in DFW typically ranges from 6 to 18 inches. Wider eaves provide better wall protection from Texas rain but increase wind uplift risk. The eave is where soffit, fascia, gutter, and drip edge all converge — making it one of the most complex details on any roof. Ice dams are rare in DFW but can occur during rare freezing events, causing water to back up under shingles at the eave.
Related Roofing Terms
Soffit
Soffit is the material covering the underside of the roof overhang (eave), providing ventilation to the attic and protecting rafters from weather exposure.
Fascia
Fascia is the vertical finishing board mounted along the lower edge of the roof, covering the ends of the roof rafters and providing a mounting surface for gutters.
Drip Edge
A drip edge is an L-shaped metal flashing installed along the edges of a roof to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutter system.