Discussions

Is there a way to extend the eaves on a house without having to redo the shingles?  
 
On the gable ends of our house, there are no eaves at all. We replaced the shingles when we first moved in, not even thinking about the lack of eaves. After being in the house for a while, we've realized it would likely be for the best to have eaves to protect the sides of the house and the windows from rain, but don't want to have to redo the shingles.

I am in the same boat as you except I have to shingle as well. I’ll be fallowing this thread

It can be done without reshingling the entire roof with a bit of work to slip new shingles into place, in the correct position to the existing shingles. Hopefully you know the brand and colour of the shingles and they are still available. Much easier if you need to reshingle the entire roof.  
A couple things to keep in mind... if you are not reshingling you are limited to how wide of an overhang you can add, since you will be tacking an overhang onto the side of the house with little to support it but nails. You can get around this too by removing a strip of shingles a few feet wide along the eaves, so you can also remove roof sheating and tie the overhang into the existing roof framing. Hence it is easier once again if you are reshingling the entire roof.  
Soffit and fascia work will also have to be done.  
I can do this work for both of you if you're interested. I have 15 yrs experience in all types of residential construction and can provide references. Private message me if you'd like me to have a look.

I sent a pm

I suspect you are talking gable end. There are several creative ways to extend the gable end. I would be cautious about extending more than a foot. If you want a 24 inch overhang you will want to take off sheeting of old roof to at least the second rafter. Resheet and shingle.  
 
If you wish you can nail or screw two or three layers of 2x4 or 2x6 to gable. For temporary seal put a wide strip of tin. Width of additional roof and four inches under existing shingles.  
 
As for eaves.  
Same concept applies. Remove existing fascia and add extensions to each rafter. Replace with new fascia board and deck sheeting. I prefer to use a suitable width of metal flashing. If you can source same colour of shingle your nailer can easily fasten shingles over tin.

GordonSchwindt said "I suspect you are talking gable end. There are several creative ways to extend the gable end. I would be cautious about extending more than a foot. If you want a 24 inch overhang you will want to take off sheeting of old roof to at least the second rafter. Resheet and shingle.     If you wish you can nail or screw two or three layers of 2x4 or 2x6 to gable. For temporary seal put a wide strip of tin. Width of additional roof and four inches under existing shingles.     As for eaves.   Same concept applies. Remove existing fascia and add extensions to each rafter. Replace with new fascia board and deck sheeting. I prefer to use a suitable width of metal flashing. If you can source same colour of shingle your nailer can easily fasten shingles over tin. "

Yes, I am talking about the gable end (as long as I have the correct terminology haha!). I've attached a picture of what our house looks like currently.  
 
My main concern and reason for thinking we should extend (or add) the overhang is because there are windows under one of the gable ends where there is no overhang and I am concerned we may have water problems in the future. That being said, the house has been like this for decades (and I've noticed several around the city that are built the same), so I don't know whether the work/cost involved is worth it.

Don't extend your eaves.  
 
Reasons: not necessary. If the window leaks because of rain hitting it, the window isn't sealed properly. Putting an eave above it won't provide much help, especially with a driving rain which will drive rain under the eave. As well, having no overhang is an architectural style, and adding eaves might make your house look odd. Proper overhang is tied into the roof structure so it doesn't sag - tacking on eaves, especially if the roof finish doesn't match the rest of the roof, will be second-rate and decrease the curb appeal, and thus your resale value, of your house.  
If the windows have lasted this long without a leak, don't worry about it.

ronfay said "Don't extend your eaves.     Reasons: not necessary. If the window leaks because of rain hitting it, the window isn't sealed properly. Putting an eave above it won't provide much help, especially with a driving rain which will drive rain under the eave. As well, having no overhang is an architectural style, and adding eaves might make your house look odd. Proper overhang is tied into the roof structure so it doesn't sag - tacking on eaves, especially if the roof finish doesn't match the rest of the roof, will be second-rate and decrease the curb appeal, and thus your resale value, of your house.   If the windows have lasted this long without a leak, don't worry about it. "

That makes sense. One of our neighbours who have a house with a similar style to ours recently did their roof and extended it. They said it was highly recommended that they do it (not sure by who) and I've noticed newer houses all have the extended overhangs on all sides of the house.  
 
If in theory it's done properly and blends into the house, what benefit does having the extended overhangs provide? Is it purely a cosmetic thing?

During the Great War minimal overhang was viewed as a way to save on material. If adequate roof edge etc is used your house will function just fine. Many metal buildings have no gable or eave.  
 
The extended overhang is primarily cosmetic but can be functional as well. If your house has poor or no eaves trough the water will be dropped further from your footings. The extension will shade walls helping to keep house cooler in summer.

If done properly, extending your eaves can allow for ventilation to flow up to roof vents and extend the life of your shingles.  
This also helps to dissipate heat in the summer months.