räystään

Räystään is a Finnish word that refers to the eaves of a building. The eaves are the lowest part of a roof that projects beyond the wall of a building. They serve several functional purposes, including protecting the walls from rain and snow, providing shade to the windows, and directing water away from the foundation. In some architectural styles, the eaves can also be a decorative element, featuring intricate designs or materials. The length and overhang of the eaves can vary significantly depending on the climate, architectural design, and local building traditions. In areas with heavy snowfall, for instance, eaves are often designed to be shorter to prevent excessive snow accumulation that could damage the roof structure. Conversely, in sunny climates, wider eaves are preferred to offer more shade and reduce cooling costs. The term "räystäs" can also sometimes be used more broadly to refer to the overhang of any projecting roof-like structure.