What term describes the area where roof eaves meet the wall?

The area where roof eaves meet the wall is referred to as the eave. This term specifically describes the lower edge of the roof that overhangs beyond the wall of the building. It plays a critical role in directing water away from the building's facade and foundation, and it also serves aesthetic functions in the architecture of a home.

Understanding this terminology is important in home inspections because eaves are integral to proper drainage and overall roofing performance. Issues related to eaves, such as inadequate overhang or improper design, can lead to water damage on walls and foundation, which may subsequently affect the structure's integrity.

The other terms, while related to roofing and building design, refer to different aspects. The overhang pertains more broadly to the portion of the roof that extends beyond the walls, the cornice is the decorative molding at the junction of the wall and roof, and the gutter line is the location where gutters are installed to collect and direct rainwater. Each of these features plays a specific role, but the exact area where the roof eaves meet the wall is definitively the eave.