An eave is the edge of a roof that extends beyond the face of a wall, creating an overhang. Its primary purpose is to direct rainwater away from the walls of a building and provide shading to windows and walls. Eaves can also help protect the building’s foundation from water damage and contribute to passive solar design by controlling solar penetration. The underside of the eave, called the soffit, may be vented to allow air circulation in the attic or roof space, preventing moisture buildup.