One of the questions we’re asked frequently as professional roofing contractors is: how far should metal roof overhang gutters in Australia. In this article, we’ll discuss all you need to know.
As professional roofing contractors, our clients often ask us about how far metal roofs should overhang gutters. Here, we’ll tell you if there’s a recommended overhang width, why overhang is important when installing metal roofing on your property and where to go for professional assistance.
How Far Should Metal Roofs Overhang Gutters in Australia?
The general rule of thumb is for metal roofing to overhang the gutters by no more than 50mm (approximately 2 inches). Any further will change the look of your home, curb appeal and how the excess water flows from the roof to the gutters during a storm.
Is There Variance as to How Much a Metal Roof Overhangs Gutters?
As with anything in roofing, there is some variation as to how far metal roofing overhangs gutters in Australia. Some home owners actually prefer a wider overhang as a design feature and to potentially increase energy efficiency or even prevent the need for gutters entirely.
Why Are Roof Overhangs Important?
Roof overhangs are important when installing metal roofing in Australia because they:
Help Maintain Temperature Control & Energy Efficiency
Research suggests that houses that have metal roofs with a minimal overhang – or no overhang at all – tend to overheat in warmer months. This is particularly true in hotter climates, like Queensland.
The overhang helps control this, allowing your home to maintain an optimal temperature all year round.
Keep Water From Foundations & Walls
By having your metal roof overhang gutters – even if it’s only by the recommended amount – you reduce the chances of water draining down the foundations and walls of your home. The more you can do this, the better, especially if you live in a storm or flood prone area.
What to Consider When Determining How Far Gutters Should Overhang
There are a few factors that come into play when deciding whether you should increase the size of your roof overhang.
Council and Body Corporate Regulations
Local councils or body corporates (if you live in a gated community) may have regulations that govern how far you can install metal roof overhangs. It’s important to check this prior to installation to ensure you’re not wasting time and money with a decision that could have been avoided.
Roof Size
The size of your roof is something to consider when deciding if your roof may benefit from a larger overhang.
Extending the roof overhang by larger than the recommended measurements may impact on other aspects of your roofing, not just from an aesthetic standpoint, but in terms of weight distribution and safety as well.
Pitch of Roof
Your roof’s pitch will dramatically influence the possibility of an increased overhang. This is because some types of roofs, particularly those with a fair slope, will not allow for an increased overhang. As such, you should consider the roof’s slope before deciding to install a new metal roof material.
When to Decide if You Want a Roof Overhang (and How Far it Should Be)
You’d be surprised how often homeowners forget about the roof overhang, or leave deciding how far they want their roof overhang to be until the last minute. This is not something we would recommend.
When installing a metal roof, you should consider how far you want the overhang to be before your installers start the job. This makes it easier for everyone involved and you can be certain you’re all on the same page from start to finish. It also makes the installation process a lot smoother, which is a win for both you and us!
When to Contact Manchester Roofing
As roofing professionals with decades of experience, there’s nothing we haven’t seen. From advising you on how far your roofing should overhang, to repairs and maintenance or installing a new roof, our team has you covered.
We’re experts in roofing – particularly metal roofing – and will complete all work you require professionally and to the best of our ability at all times while also being as safe as possible.
To find out more about the recommended width of a roof overhang in Australia, or to arrange an obligation free consultation on your roofing work, contact us today.
