The roof is the first line of defense for homes and buildings. Although it’s not the first thing that many passers-by and visitors see, our home’s roofing is one of the most durable and long-lasting structures at home. However, that doesn’t mean that our roof and other surrounding structures of our roofing system won’t get damaged.
Although many types of roofing can easily withstand strong winds, rain, and hailstorms, most roofs are still vulnerable to water damage. In fact, water damage is prevalent in most types of roofing that gutters, drainage systems, and downspouts are integral to redirect water off the roof effectively.
Although water damage might not manifest quickly, it can chip away at the integrity of most structures in the long term. Having the appropriate drainage systems and gutters can significantly decrease the risk of water damage.
But there are many engineers and home designers that overhangs are also an essential part of keeping your home and roof free from widespread water damage. So why should you get yourself an overhang for your roof? What makes it so crucial in the first place? Some critical questions regarding roof overhangs will be addressed. Learn what you can do to keep your home in pristine condition.
Why Should You Get an Overhanging System?
But what are the main reasons you should acquire an overhang system? Many homeowners overlook roof overhangs. But there’s more to overhangs than just being there for overall appeal. This serves an essential function of protecting your exterior structures and entrances from rain, constant exposure to UV heat, and excessive amounts of moisture.
If your roof doesn’t have an overhang, you might quickly notice that water can easily seep into hard-to-reach areas. This can result in the build-up of molds on wooden surfaces. Even though it might seem relatively harmless, this can cause wood rotting, which can compromise your home’s support.
Do you want to have your own overhang system but don’t want to place too much commitment on building materials? You won’t have to look far since quality motorized retractable awnings are a great way of having overhangs for your home while also directing water to the right areas. This is also a great way of setting the tone for your home and creating shade for guests.
So what else are some benefits of getting roof overhangs?
It’s Easy to Install
Contrary to what most people think, overhangs aren’t so hard to install. The good news here is that most overhangs are designed to be easy to attach to the structure. Take note that in roofing solutions, most contractors need to replace an entire roof, and over roofing is still possible but risky. However, an overhang system can be easily added to roofs without much hassle. Doing so can already address any potential issue and provide convenience and comfort.
Still, it’s important to remember that you need supporting columns if your overhangs go past two feet in allowance.
It Extends Your Home’s Lifespan
Another main reason you should get overhangs is that this can save you years of repair and replacements. Compared to other types of structural damage, water damage can last for a long time. Sometimes, it can also be permanent if it’s not addressed quickly.
But when using roof overhangs, it’s easier to keep your sidings and your home’s foundation in good condition. Water usually flows to the lowest parts of the building, which can soften the soil. Sure, you might need to spend a few hundred dollars on an overhang system, but it’s better than having to spend thousands of dollars replacing your roofing and other permanent structures of your home.
Roof overhangs are a worthwhile investment. There are a ton of benefits to having an overhang. Overhangs help provide a gap between your home’s foundations and where water is disposed of. This can make it highly crucial in gutter and downspout systems. The primary reason why you should get one is that it can preserve your home’s overall structural integrity, especially since water can seep into the nooks and crannies of your home.
Still, it’s essential to be mindful of how you are planning your overhangs. When you’re placing permanent overhangs to your roofing, two feet is the maximum allowance. This can give your home a sufficient among of distance and keep it safe from water damage. If you do plan on extending your overhangs past the maximum limit, you might want to consider placing supporting structures since this can cause a lot of stress on your overhangs.
