Ceilings play a vital role in the overall appearance of a home both internally and externally. It’s the largest space in any room and so needs the right amount of time and attention when it comes to its design. A trend that’s growing in popularity is that of exposed timber eaves, mostly because of its aesthetic appeal and reduced construction time.

Eaves are the underside of the roof that extends beyond the wall of a home. Or put simply, the part of the roof that hangs out and over the exterior walls. They’re often used to provide shade and distribute and support the ceiling load more evenly.

Advantages of Exposed Eaves

Arguably the biggest benefit of exposed timber eaves is the interesting design details they create much like you would get with sloped wooden rafters. Timber has a natural look and feel ideal for those looking to establish a home with timeless beauty. It’s also a renewable resource and so reducing the carbon footprint of new homes and buildings.

Another plus of exposed timber eaves is that they’re quick and easy to install and often don’t require any heavy equipment. Lastly, timber is also known for resisting high temperatures, unlike other building materials that tend to expand with warmer weather.

Disadvantages of Exposed Eaves

Exposed wood is prone to rot and attracting insect invaders. Both of which compromise the integrity of a structure which poses a serious safety hazard. It’s also notorious for trapping moisture which can lead to decay further down the line. Not ideal for areas prone to rainfall.

Signs That your Eaves Need Repairing

Soft wood is a sure sign that something is not right. Push down on the wood with your fingernail to check if this is the case. Mould and fungal growth are often easy to spot and will indicate rot. Catch it early enough and you’ll hopefully only need to tend to an isolated area.

Many associate cracks and holes with wear and tear but it may be a sign of something more serious brewing. Call in a roof contractor to analyse the situation. Interior paint that’s flaking also often means that there is rising damp that needs attending. Before you ‘fix’ it with a simple lick of paint, get to the bottom of what’s causing it to bubble in the first place.

Solutions & Maintenance Tips

The best way to avoid damp, rot, and roof leaks is to regularly maintain the waterproofing of your roof. This is best performed by an experienced waterproofing contractor who will ensure the job is done correctly. If your ceilings show visible evidence of dampness, damage, and/or roof sagging it’s time to make use of Universal Roofing services for your roof inspection.

We use a unique product called Uni-Flexx that we manufacture in-house. It’s a 100% water-tight application that puts an end to unseen and unnoticed leaks. If, however, you’ve delayed the maintenance of your roof and as a result, do need ceiling repairs and/or replacements, our highly-experienced and knowledgeable team can assist.