Why 8-Inch Roof Overhangs Matter
Building a tiny home in Alaska is now a dream for many. It's a chance to live the Alaskan lifestyle you want while avoiding recent housing market trends (higher costs). Before you set out to build your tiny home, there’s one crucial detail to consider: your roof’s overhang.
This seemingly minor feature plays a significant role in protecting your tiny home in Alaska’s harsh winters and rainy summer season. At Stitt Construction, we take pride in building tiny homes specifically designed to withstand the elements. A key aspect is our commitment to exclusively building homes with an 8-inch roof overhang.
Understanding Roof Overhangs
A roof overhang is the extension of the roof beyond the exterior walls. While it might seem purely aesthetic, it serves a vital purpose in managing snowfall and rainwater.
Many tiny home builders opt for shorter overhangs, typically ranging from 1.5 to 3 inches. While this seems like a way to save space or material costs, it can lead to significant problems down the line.
The Trouble with Short Overhangs
Alaska is known for its heavy snowfall and dramatic temperature fluctuations. This creates a “freeze-thaw” cycle where snow melts and refreezes repeatedly. With a short overhang, this melting snow can reach the roof's edge and refreeze, forming ice dams and coning back under the eaves toward the tiny house.
Imaging a scoop of ice cream softening on the edges — how it leaks down, causing a soggy mess. Without a sufficient roof overhang, the melting snow acts similarly, dripping and refreezing close to the structure. This can cause several problems:
Damage to Siding and Windows
As the snow refreezes and hardens close to the tiny house, it can press against the siding, causing cracks and warping. Falling ice and snow chunks can also damage the windows during windy days.
Water Pooling Near the Foundation
Melting snow trapped near the eaves drips down right next to the foundation. This can saturate the ground and potentially lead to foundation issues.
Ice Dam Danger
Short overhangs can cause melting snow to refreeze near the eaves, increasing the chance of ice dams forming. These ice dams can trap water under the shingles, leading to leaks, roof damage, and potential structural problems for your tiny home.
Stitt Construction’s 8-inch Advantage
Here at Stitt Construction, we understand the unique challenges of building tiny homes in Alaska. That’s why we build exclusively with 8-inch roof overhangs. This extended length offers significant benefits:
Reduced Snow Accumulation Around the Base
The extended roof overhang allows melting snow to fall further away from the tiny home, minimizing the “snow cone” effect and protecting your siding and windows.
Improved Drainage
The extra distance allows for better drainage of melting snow and rainwater, preventing water from pooling near the foundation.
Reduced Risk of Ice Dams
An 8-inch overhang provides a greater distance for melting snow to travel before reaching the colder eaves, reducing the chance of ice dam formation. While overhangs aren't a guaranteed solution, they can be a helpful preventative measure, especially when combined with proper roof ventilation and insulation.
Small details like this exemplify our approach to tiny home building. We believe in crafting homes that are not just beautiful but also built to last, able to withstand the harsh Alaskan winters.
Get a Stitt Construction Tiny Home
Owning a tiny home in Alaska is an exciting prospect, but it’s essential to choose a builder who understands the unique challenges of the environment. At Stitt Construction, we don’t just build tiny homes; we build Alaskan tiny homes.
We at Stitt Construction have a dedication to quality and durability. With a Stitt Construction tiny home, you can rest assured that your Alaskan dream is built to withstand theelemtns, allowing you to focus on enjoying the great outdoors.
Ready to build your dream tiny home? Contact Stitt Construction today!
