How Much Should A Shed Roof Overhang

Building a shed roof with an overhang can substantially change the look of the shed and can add extra functions.

How much should a shed roof overhang.

A typical metal roof overhang may be 2 to 4 inches or even less. The ideal shed roof overhang depends on the purpose of the overhang the location and microclimate of the building. Roof overhangs can extend farther than 2 feet but beyond this length they begin to lose structural integrity and require external supports. Cantilevered structures are popular for homes with balconies.

Read this post first if you want to include the optional 3 1 2 or 5 1 2 inch overhang on all 4 sides framing the roof consists of attaching the trusses to the top plates then nailing the roof sheeting to the trusses. Overhangs can vary from a few inches to a few feet depending on preference. Cut them long enough to allow 3 1 2 or 5 1 2 inches overhang on both the front and back gable ends. You should also nail through the sidewall siding into the ends of each truss to secure the roof structure to the rest of the shed.

A roof overhang can allow for the incorporation of soffits another roof ventilation option and they can help cover entryways and move rain water farther away from the shed and foundation. Remember to add 1 2 inch or so more for the thickness of the siding. This can make extensive roof overhangs more trouble than they are worth in all but the harshest climates. An overhang to protect the shed user on a rainy night could be relatively small whereas an overhang to provide a shaded area in front of the shed to keep the interior of the shed cool will be much larger.

For 5 1 2 inch overhang cut the small roof strips 4 inches wider than called for in dimension h. A shed overhang is an easy and effective way to protect your shed. However the suggested width of an overhang is between 12 and 18 for eaves and no more than 8 for rakes. Metal is usually installed on rafters or strip sheathing rather than the solid decking used under other materials.

You can add 3 to 5 inches to the top. This will protect a roof from most types of damage. Some slight overhang is recommended in conjunction with a drip edge flashing to prevent water from getting under the roofing and onto underlying wood.