How Far Should Roof Shingles Overhang

Is the amount of overhang the same at the rake as at the eave.

How far should roof shingles overhang.

The edge of the shingles should hang over the edge of the roof between an inch and an inch and a half or between a half inch and three quarters of an inch if drip edge flashing is installed and in most cases it should be. Use roofing nails to secure the drip edge. We ve seen other references that suggest extending the shingles a bit more than the manufacturers suggest to compensate for wavy eaves but they do not indicate extending more than 1 inch over the eave. Most shingle manufacturers along with the asphalt roofing manufacturers association s residential asphalt roofing manual call for a 1 4 inch to 3 4 inch overhang at both rakes and eaves.

The 3 4 overhang of the shingle creates a full 1 overhang from the fascia to the edge of the shingle. Nail high up on the drip edge so that the shingles will cover the nails. Drip edge varies in dimensions but typically the flange that nails to the roof surface is about 2 5 wide and the vertical edge that directs roof runoff down and away is about 1 5 in depth. The drip edge also gives us a nice straight edge with which to align roof shingles slates or other roofing material.

Too much overhang and the shingles could blow off in high winds. Knowledgeable roofers will install shingles at just the right overhang for your roof type. The edge of the shingles should hang over a roof between an inch and an inch and a half or between a half inch and three quarters of an inch if drip edge flashing is installed. Shingle manufacturers say to use a 1 4 to 3 8 inch shingle overhang over the eave where your roof ends.

How far beyond the drip edge should an asphalt shingle extend. The end with the flange or flare should point down and away from the roof. The drip edge flashing lip is 1 4 wide. Ideally you d nail about every 12 inches and in no circumstances should you have 16 inches or more between nails.

If you re going to take the leap and try it yourself do it safely and smartly. Too little can allow water to seep into rake or fascia boards. A architect and roofing consultant harrison mccampbell responds.