When they’re properly maintained, your roof’s soffit and fascia play an important role in keeping your home dry and safe. Detecting problems early with your roof’s soffit and fascia can help avoid costly, full-blown catastrophes in the future. Here’s what you need to know about these important roofing materials so that you can detect when damage occurs.
What are Soffits and Fascia?
Two of the most important components that keep your roof dry are soffits and fascia.
Located at the area where the gutter meets the roof, the fascia is a vertical edge that brings the rafters and roof trusses together. Designed to protect the wooden board against water damage, fascia protects the overall roof and prevents water from entering the home. It also creates a smoother finish for the roof’s edge, adding to a home’s aesthetic appeal.
Beneath the overhanging section of a roof eave is where you can find the soffit, typically made of water-resistant aluminum material. The small holes found in the soffit are used to expel heat and moisture from the home and improve attic ventilation. Besides the moisture development being prevented, rotting to the sheathing and rafters is also halted when the soffit is in good condition.
The design of soffits and fascia also work to keep any pesky critters from entering your home.
Signs of Potential Damage in Soffit and Fascia
To prevent leaving your home exposed to water damage, rot and moisture problems, use the following checklist to inspect your soffit and fascia for any problems:
- Holes and Cracks: Holes and cracks in the soffit and fascia not only look unappealing, but they can also lead to leaks, water damage and, wood rot.
- Clogging, Leaking Gutters: If there is noticeable peeling and staining of the soffits, water saturation has likely created damage, warranting soffit and fascia repair.
- Flaking Paint: Both unappealing and problematic, flaking paint on your soffit and fascia can create wood rot.
- Ineffective Ventilation: If there’s a noticeable difference in the ventilation of your attic and home, there may be an airflow blockage in your soffits.
- Water and Debris Accumulation: When unaddressed, water and debris build-up can create mould, rotting, ceiling discolouration, and pest damage. If clogged, airflow to the attic will also be obstructed.
- Pest Infestation: Soffit and fascia that are damaged can present a great opportunity for pests to enter your home and create havoc.
If any of these signs are noticed during your inspection, a soffit and fascia repair expert should be contacted immediately.
When to Call an Eavestrough Professional
Repairing your home’s soffit and fascia is best done by a professional who is well experienced with navigating ladders and completing effective repairs. Our exterior repair and maintenance team is ready to fix your soffit and fascia damage before your home is exposed to damage from harsh weather conditions.
To learn more about the extensive service offerings we provide in the GTA, Brampton and Mississauga, contact our office.
