Most homeowners focus on shingles when thinking about a new roof. While quality shingles are important, one feature that often gets overlooked is the roof overhang. Also called the eaves, roof overhangs extend beyond the exterior walls of your home and play a major role in protecting both your roof and your siding.
At 570 New Roof, we’ve replaced countless roofs throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, and we’ve seen firsthand how proper roof overhangs contribute to a longer-lasting roofing system.
What Is a Roof Overhang?
A roof overhang is the portion of the roof that extends past the walls of your home. It helps direct rainwater away from the siding, foundation, windows, and doors while providing additional protection from snow, ice, and harsh sunlight.
Although the overhang itself isn’t replaced during every roofing project, it works together with your shingles, drip edge, gutters, and fascia to keep water moving where it belongs.
Why Overhangs Matter in NEPA
Homes across Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Hazleton, and the surrounding areas experience every type of weather imaginable. Heavy rain, high winds, snowstorms, and freeze-thaw cycles all put stress on a roofing system.
A properly designed overhang helps:
- Reduce water running directly down siding
- Limit moisture around windows and doors
- Help prevent foundation splash-back
- Protect fascia boards from constant water exposure
- Reduce ice buildup near exterior walls
These benefits can extend the life of both your roofing system and your home’s exterior.
The Connection Between Overhangs and Shingle Performance
When rainwater is carried farther away from your home’s walls, your shingles remain drier around the roof edge. Standing moisture is one of the biggest contributors to premature roofing problems.
Combined with quality underlayment, properly installed drip edge, and effective gutter systems, roof overhangs create another layer of defense against water intrusion.
That’s especially important during Northeastern Pennsylvania’s long winters when melting snow repeatedly refreezes along roof edges.
During Roof Replacement
When installing a new Owens Corning roofing system, experienced contractors should inspect the entire roof edge—not just the shingles.
This includes checking:
- Fascia boards
- Soffits
- Drip edge
- Gutters
- Roof edge ventilation
- Signs of previous water damage
Addressing these issues during roof replacement helps ensure your investment performs as designed for decades.
Trust 570 New Roof
At 570 New Roof, we believe replacing a roof is about far more than installing new shingles. Every component of the roofing system should work together to protect your home from Northeastern Pennsylvania’s demanding weather.
If your roof is showing signs of age or you’re considering a replacement, our team can perform a thorough inspection and explain every part of your roofing system—not just the shingles you see from the ground.
Contact 570 New Roof today to schedule your free roof evaluation.
570 New Roof
🌐 www.570newroof.com
📞 (570) 332-1223
✉️ office@theroofrepairguys.com