Know Your Roof · Flashing & Roof Edge
Eave: The Lower Edge of the Roof
Quick answer
The eave is the lower edge of a roof, where it overhangs the exterior wall. It's where your gutters hang. Fascia, soffit and drip edge all meet there, and because water and ice collect at the eave, it's a common spot for leaks and rot.
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What's at the eave
Fascia, the board along the edge. Soffit, the underside of the overhang. Drip edge, the metal flashing at the edge. The gutter, attached to the fascia. Starter shingles, the first row of roofing. And in cold climates, an ice barrier, a waterproof membrane along the edge.
Why the eave matters in Cincinnati
Winter freeze and thaw lets snowmelt refreeze at the cold overhang. That's how ice dams form, and they push water up under the shingles. A lot of roofers put a self-adhering ice and water membrane at the eaves for this reason. Check with your local code office on what's required.
Eave vs rake
The eave runs level along the bottom of the roof. The rake runs up the slope on the gable end.
Common eave problems
- Ice dams and leaks inside the wall
- Rotted fascia and soffit
- Clogged or sagging gutters
- Missing or backward drip edge
- Animals getting in through gaps
Looking for another word? See the roofing terms glossary, A to Z.