Etymology and Usage:
– ‘Eaves’ is derived from Old English ‘efes’ meaning edge
– The word is of Germanic origin, related to the German dialect ‘Obsen’
– The Merriam-Webster dictionary lists the word as ‘eave’
– It forms both the singular and plural of the word
– The word is usually used in plural
Function:
– Eaves keep rainwater off walls and prevent water ingress at roof-wall junction
– They protect pathways around buildings from rain and reduce splatter on walls
– Eaves control solar penetration for passive solar building design
– They may shelter openings for roof space ventilation
– Eaves overhang can be designed to adjust buildings’ solar gain based on climate
Design:
– Eaves can be aesthetically, traditionally, or purely decoratively designed
– Eaves may terminate in a fascia to protect exposed rafter ends and fix gutters
– The underside of eaves may have a decorative or sealing soffit
– Eaves must be designed for local wind speeds to handle wind loading
– The eavesdrip defines the extent of the building and property boundary oversail limit
Related Architectural Elements:
– Chhajja
– Gargoyle
– Leader head
– Lookout (architecture)
– Overhang (architecture)
References:
– Eaves definition in the Oxford English Dictionary
– Definition of Eaves by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com
– Eave in Merriam-Webster Online
– Guide to using the risk matrix for external moisture
– Articles on eaves inspection and hurricane-resistant home shapes
The eaves are the edges of the roof which overhang the face of a wall and, normally, project beyond the side of a building. The eaves form an overhang to throw water clear of the walls and may be highly decorated as part of an architectural style, such as the Chinese dougong bracket systems.
Definition from ChatGPT:
Eaves:
Eaves refer to the part of a roof that overhangs the walls of a building, providing protection from the elements. They are typically located near the lower edge of the roof and help to direct water away from the walls and foundation of the building.