The lower part of a roof that protrudes from a façade is called eave, shingle[1]​[2]​ or socarrén[3]​. Its purpose can be decorative or functional (often both), as it is used to divert rainwater and prevent it from falling on the wall.

A very common manifestation of the eaves is the cornice (in its simple, continuous, sardinel, checkered, set or peaked row varieties).[5]​ In fact, some types of eaves directly receive the definition of cornice (the set of moldings that make up the "Final (architecture)"),[6]​ such as the rendered eaves that are better known as a continuous cornice.[5]​ However, there are other types of eaves, such as the cornice") or the corbel (in its meaning as a projection, generally in the shape of a volute). Another meaning of the corbel defines it as only a part of the eaves, the one that supports the cornice.

Sometimes, especially in Romanesque art, the eaves consist of a fascia "Faja (architecture)") ornamented with arcades and other motifs.