Where Roofs Meet Walls
by Gordon F. Tully
Most houses have highly visible
roofs that must join highly visible
walls. The joints between wall and
roof (an eave when the slope of the
roof is at an angle to the wall, a rake
when the slope is parallel) are crucial
elements in a building. If they are
detailed poorly, the entire house
suffers; if cleverly done, however,
they can salvage what might
otherwise be a hopeless design.
The problem is how to choose
among the almost endless possibilities
for detailing rakes and eaves. Should
there be an overhang? If so, how big?
How elaborate should the trim be?
How do windows and dormers relate
to the roof edges? How