Overhangs on roofs protect the structure underneath from the weather and rain. The roof of your house should have at least one overhang. You should learn to extend the roof overhang if one does not exist or the existing one is too short.
How To Extend a Roof Overhang
So, below are the step-by-step instructions for extending a metal roof overhang.
Read also: How to Overlap Metal Roofing?
1. Getting the roof ready
First, remove the fascia boards covering the existing rafters’ ends to reach their tails. However, removing fascia boards and working at heights can be hazardous. As someone who has undertaken similar projects, I can confirm the importance of safety measures, especially for DIYers.
Consider hiring a professional if you’re not confident in your skills to avoid injury and potential damage to your home. Before proceeding, it’s crucial to inspect the condition of the existing rafters, as any signs of damage or wear could affect the stability of the extended overhang.
You will need to remove the roof shingles and sheathing from the lower part of the rafters if there is not enough room to work within the attic to extend the rafters after removing the fascia.
2. Rafter Extensions
Second, if you want to extend the overhang, you will need to provide plenty of underlying support for your roof. Raising the rafters is the best way to accomplish this. I extended my rear roof overhang by 14 inches during a recent project. I found that using adhesive and nails ensured a sturdier bond between the rafter extensions and the existing rafters, which is crucial for long-term durability.
If you intend on adding a roof overhang, ensure that the rafter tail extensions are about three times as long as the overhang. In addition, you need to use lumber of the same size as the rafters in your home.
3. Installing soffits and fascia
After securing your rafter extensions, you will need to add the overhang. Installing a horizontal soffit between the exterior wall and the fascia that spans the underside of the overhang will result in an enclosed eave. That way, you can cover the part beneath the overhang.
4. New Overhang Roofing
Following framing the overhang, apply plywood sheathing to the rafter extensions and any other sections where you removed the sheathing.
5. Replace the old roof’s underlayment and shingles
As a solution, you should remove the old roof’s underlayment and shingles and replace them with a brand-new roof. From personal experience, I noticed that matching new shingles with existing ones can be challenging due to color variations caused by sun exposure. It’s also important to account for potential hidden costs, such as replacing rotten wood or additional materials that may be required.
6. Final Installations
As a final step on to extend a roof overhang, you need to put a metal drip edge on the new overhang before installing it. Afterward, you can lay shingles along the lower edge.
Continue laying shingles until you reach the existing shingles. Slide the final row of new shingles under the tabs of the old shingle.
How to Extend a Flat Roof Overhang
Similarly, flat roofs can benefit from roof extensions by extending just the overhang. A flat roof allows for the creation of large sheltered areas on the ground, such as a patio or deck.
Read also: How to Seal a Flat Roof Leak
The following are the steps for extending a flat roof overhang:
- First, ensure the flat roof has a slope or ‘fall’ to disperse water. Water will accumulate in puddles, causing premature deterioration if you get it wrong.
- The next step is to attach the deck to the top of the skeleton.
- Then, add insulation to the flat roof extension
- Create a firm base by laying the board over the insulation
- At last, apply the roof cover.
Conclusion
In addition to extending the overhang, it’s important to consider the overall health of your roof. Regular roof maintenance, including cleaning gutters and inspecting for damage, can significantly prolong its lifespan.
Furthermore, when working with existing rafters, ensure that any new materials used for the extension are compatible and properly secured to avoid any structural issues.
Proper insulation and ventilation in the attic space beneath the overhang can also play a critical role in preventing moisture buildup and ensuring the longevity of your roof. In regions with heavy snow or wind loads, like Vermont, ensuring that the extended overhang can withstand local weather conditions is essential. Proper design and material selection are critical to avoid structural failures.
Finally, those steps are to extend a roof overhang on metal and flat roofs. Consider working with a professional roofer if you have no experience extending the roof overhang design. Therefore, you can be sure the job is done correctly and safely.
