What Is Overhang In Construction?
What Is Overhang In Construction?
Overhang in construction is when a structural element like a roof or beam extends beyond its vertical support, creating a cantilevered structure. It is often used to provide protection from the elements and can be aesthetically pleasing, allowing one to make the most of views or design considerations.
Overhangs also help reduce energy costs by providing an ever-present shade for windows as well as near walls.
Deep overhangs create more shading opportunities for large expanses of glass that would otherwise require extensive sunshades.
An overhang in architecture is a protruding structure that extends from a building, typically to provide protection for lower levels or elements of the building. Overhangs are common in various architectural styles and cultures, such as Pennsylvania Dutch barns, Swiss farmhouses, Tibetan, Mughal, and Indo-Saracenic architecture, early Buddhist and Chinese temples, and traditional Japanese architecture.
In medieval and Renaissance Europe, overhangs were used in timber-framed houses and were called “jetty.” The use of overhangs declined in Europe with the rise of brick and stone construction in the 18th century.
In the American colonies, overhangs were a common feature in colonial architecture in the 17th century. The style was later adopted by Prairie School architecture and architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright. An overhang can also refer to an awning or other protective elements.
Benefits Of An Overhang
Overhangs can offer many benefits in construction, such as providing shade and protection from elements like rain or snow.
The main purpose of an overhang is to protect the house from strong winds, heavy rain and snow. It also prevents water from running off the edge of the house, capturing other debris in the process. This extended edge also adds character to a home’s façade as well as offering some added shade from direct sunlight making it a highly functional feature for any home.
Overhangs can also be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, as they provide a sense of depth and dimension to a building’s façade. They are also more energy efficient than traditional roof designs, as they help keep cool air out in Summer and Hot air out in Winter.
Finally, overhangs protect the exterior walls of buildings from the elements and help extend the life of your siding materials by preventing harsh weather conditions from causing damage over time.
Design Considerations For An Overhang
When designing an overhang in construction, several considerations must be taken into account. First and foremost, the size of the overhang should be large enough to provide protection from the elements such as wind, rain, and snow.
The materials used to construct the overhang will also play a role in how durable it is against inclement weather.
Additionally, the angle of the overhang affects how well it helps protect against water and sun exposure. Ventilation for air circulation should be incorporated into the design to ensure that air can inside and out, which will help keep temperatures lower during warm weather months.
Lastly, airflow should be taken into consideration when designing an overhang—for example, does it need to have openings on both sides for better ventilation? By taking all of these factors into account when designing an overhang in construction projects, homeowners can achieve a reliable structure that will last for many years to come.
