The Eave is the:

The eave is defined as the part of the roof that extends beyond the walls of a building. This overhanging portion serves various important functions, including directing water away from the foundation, enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal, and providing shade to windows and doors. Eaves help to prevent water damage to the walls and can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heat gain in the summer months.

Understanding the structure of the eave is essential for fire service personnel, especially in responding to residential fires where roof and eave characteristics may affect fire behavior and spread, ventilation strategies, and safety concerns. This knowledge is crucial when assessing structural integrity and potential risks associated with various roof designs during firefighting operations.