An eave is the edge of the roof that overhangs the face of a wall and normally projects beyond the side of a building.
The overhang of a roof.
The siding underneath the overhang is known as the soffit.
Roof overhangs at the eaves and rakes protect the walls below from rain and sun.
The length of the overhang depends primarily on the climate.
Eaves form the overhang to distribute water clear of the walls.
But are they really necessary.
Overhangs are common in most house designs providing protection against both wind and rain.
That is their functional purpose.
They also help to frame windows on upper stories.
An overhanging eave is the edge of a roof protruding outwards beyond the side of the building generally to provide weather protection.