An overhang is any rock steeper than vertical that leans over you; a roof is the extreme case where the rock is roughly horizontal, like a ceiling. Every roof is an overhang, but climbers reserve 'roof' for near-horizontal ceilings. Both demand body tension; roofs add the crux of pulling the lip.
| Aspect | Roof | Overhang |
|---|---|---|
| Angle | Horizontal (a ceiling) | Steeper than vertical |
| Severity | The extreme of overhanging | Gentle to very steep |
| Crux | Pulling the lip | Sustained pulling |
| Key techniques | Heel & toe hooks, underclings | Tension, drop-knee, heel hook |
| Relationship | A type of overhang | The broad category |
Call it a roof when…
- The rock is roughly horizontal above you
- You climb across a ceiling
- Pulling the lip is the crux
Call it an overhang when…
- The wall leans past vertical at any angle
- It's steep but not horizontal
- The pull is sustained rather than ceiling-like
Verdict
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a roof and an overhang?
An overhang is any rock steeper than vertical; a roof is the extreme case where the rock is roughly horizontal, like a ceiling. Every roof is an overhang, but 'roof' is reserved for near-horizontal sections.
How do you climb a roof?
With body tension and footwork: heel and toe hooks keep your feet engaged so you don't swing off, underclings let you press through, and a strong core holds it together. Pulling over the lip onto the wall above is usually the crux.
Why is overhanging climbing hard?
The steeper the wall, the more your weight hangs from your arms and the harder it is to keep weight on your feet. Overhangs demand core tension, precise footwork, and techniques like drop-knees and heel hooks.
Related: Roof · Overhang · Heel hook · Undercling