The eaves are the lower edges of a pitched roof, where the roof meets and usually overhangs the external walls of the building. The eaves usually include the soffit and fascia board, which protect and finish off the roof edge and carry the gutter.
The eaves detail matters for both performance and cost. It must throw rainwater clear of the wall, provide ventilation to the roof space where required, and keep the insulation continuous between wall and roof to avoid thermal bridging. For the QS, eaves work is normally measured as linear items along the length of the roof edge, covering fascias, soffits, ventilators, eaves trays and gutters. On refurbishment work, rotten fascias and soffits are a common hidden defect, so it is worth confirming the extent of replacement on site rather than relying on the drawings.
Related terms: Fascia Board, Soffit, Verge, Rainwater Goods.
