new roof

[doinitmyself]

I am putting an entire new roof on my house(trusses, sheeting , etc.)
What i'm wondering is,do i NEED eaves on the gable end?
I have vented soffets, and gable vents with a fan in one. and am adding a ridge vent. The current eave on the gable end is only 8" wide,(it also runs into a brick chimney for about 6') and it doesn't communicate with the attic space. Is it just for decoration or what?

[kauphymug]

Mostly for looks. Overhangs, eaves etc. are mostly a design feature. The English Tudor,and many other styles despense with this, they can be functional in various ways. Think about what it would look like with and without, then decide.

[Tom R]

Actually, the overhangs on the gable end is referred to as the 'rakes'. It's cheaper and easier to build without them, but it looks cheaper too. Houses with no eaves or rakes look really cheap. Eaves offer more protection than rakes.

[Rich]

I hate the look without rakes - looks like a trailer house. It's much better performance IMO also - with the drip edge not dripping right on the siding.

[grumpydasmurf]

Eaves partially shade your walls. I read once that houses with large eaves have less heating bills, it was in a greenbuilding magazine.

Also a nice overhang will prevent wind driven rain from entering your living space if it does get in under the gable shingles.