What eave means
The eave is the lower edge of a roof, where it runs past the wall. The part that hangs out over the wall is the overhang, finished underneath with soffit and on the face with fascia.
Where it matters on a roofing job
Eaves are where water leaves the roof, so they take the most abuse. Rot in the fascia, ice backing up in cold climates and gutters pulling loose all start here. On a reroof, walk the eaves before you bid and price any rotten fascia or decking as its own line so the homeowner sees it before the tear-off.
What the model code says
- Where ice dams are a known problem, the ice barrier at the eaves must reach at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line. (IRC 2021, Chapter 9)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for eave before you quote.
What it costs
The fascia and soffit repair cost guide has the typical job at $1,700 and the usual range at $760 to $2,300. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price. The roof replacement cost calculator prices a job line by line.
Work it out
- Free calculator: Roof replacement cost calculator
- Cost guide: Fascia and soffit repair cost
- Licensing: Roofing license rules by state
- Tools, templates and guides: Free roofing resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 9, Roof Assemblies (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.