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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
WHY ROOF SOFFITS ROT?
What exactly do soffits do?
It’s easy to overlook the role of soffits, assuming they are just there to give your home a neat and finished look. The truth is, however, that they serve very important structural roles as well. Protecting your roof and attic spaces from water is one of their primary roles. The quantity of water that is carried upward in a windy storm can be surprising. Soffits also prevent humid air from gaining direct access to your roof edge and rafters, saving them from rot.
Also, soffits provide structural support, joining the edges of rafters together, and help with energy efficiency, providing an enclosed, insulated space in your attic that helps control your utility costs. Another important role they play is in keeping out unwanted pests and rodents. Soffits help to seal off access to these unwanted visitors.
How do soffits get damaged?
Since one of their main functions is to protect your roof and attic from rain and sun, you need to take proactive steps to protect them. Some warning signs could alert you that your soffits may be in danger of rot or other damage.
Flaking paint or cracks – Finding flaking paint or cracks is one of the easiest ways to tell that water has intruded underneath the protective coating on your soffits. If you notice damage like this, it’s a sure bet that the soffit underneath has been damaged. We highly recommend that you consult a professional to find the source of the leak and create a mitigation plan.
Evidence of pests – One of the worst nightmares of a homeowner is when you hear the telltale scratching of critters in your attic or find the debris and droppings these unwanted guests leave behind. Both bugs and rodents are capable of causing severe damage to your attic and roof, and their presence could mean that the soffit has developed gaps and is no longer sealing off your attic spaces appropriately.
Asbestos – Particularly in older homes, if you notice damage to your soffits, you’ll want to make sure that the rotting and deteriorating materials don’t contain asbestos. Older homes often included materials that were manufactured using asbestos in the construction of their soffits, so you’ll want to be sure to have that checked.
Pooling water – There can be a no more obvious sign of trouble than the discovery of pooling water in your roof void. If left unnoticed, water can quickly cause significant damage to your roof. This could lead to costly repairs to mitigate the effects of rot, mold, or structural damage. We highly recommend that you check your soffits and other roof structures regularly for signs of water damage. If caught early, you can avoid expensive repairs down the road.
Poor ventilation – Since one of the primary reasons to install soffits in your home is to control the flow of air and manage ventilation in your attic, noticing poor or little ventilation is a sure sign that the soffits aren’t functioning as intended. If they are damaged or blocked, moisture and humidity can quickly cause rot, not only in your soffits but in other parts of your attic and roof structure as well.
How can I prevent rot and other damage to my soffits?
The best thing that you can do to prevent damage to your soffits is to make sure that rainwater is effectively and efficiently moved off of your roof and away from your property.
The fascia and soffit both have 24/7 exposure to the elements, which means they are more prone to rotting and damage. Fascia board runs along the very edges of your roof just under your gutters. The soffit is a panel installed just below the roof line (where birds and rodents often like to nest).
Common Problems with the Fascia and Soffit
Both the fascia and the soffit can affect the “curb appeal” of your home when you go to resell it. But more than that, leaving necessary repairs undone can affect your home’s resale value. Even if you are not ready to sell your home, repairing the fascia or soffit can guard against costlier repairs later on.
Older homes may not have a fascia at all. Older homes may also have a wooden soffit instead of vinyl, which makes the soffit more prone to rotting. In most cases, if the fascia is rotting, the soffit is likely compromised as well and vice versa.
9 Steps to Fascia and Soffit Repair
Following these nine steps can help speed up the process of getting necessary repairs done for your roof’s fascia and/or soffit.
Step 1: Evaluate the extent of the damage from weather, animals and/or rotting.
Once you understand whether just a portion or the entirety of the fascia and/or soffit is affected, this can help you decide whether to do the repairs yourself or hire a contractor.
Step 2: Replacement is often a better option than repair.
Once wood begins to rot, it is often impossible to determine how much of a panel may be compromised. This makes replacement a better long-term option and also more cost effective.
Step 3: Opt for vinyl or plastic (UPVC) instead of wood.
Vinyl and UPVC are both weather and water resistant materials that can withstand the elements far better than most wooden boards, even if they are weather treated.
Step 4: Be sure the soffit offers adequate ventilation to the attic.
There is a fine line between too little and too much ventilation. With too little, mold is a very real risk. With too much, a creative bird or animal could easily slip through a ventilation hole to get inside. You need just enough ventilation to let the summer heat out and keep the air circulating to reduce moisture build-up.
Step 5: Repair everything at the same time.
If you decide to first repair the fascia and then the soffit or to just do a section of the house, the additional later repairs may cost you more than if you do them all at once. Plus, leaving any necessary repairs undone will expose your roof to further risk of rotting.
Step 6: Be careful with nail placement.
The placement of your nails will help your roof resist buckling and keep your panels from weakening, which can lead to splits.
Step 7: Choose strong, durable nails.
The nails you select should be made of weather resistant steel and long and thick enough to withstand a roof heavy from snow, leaf litter or other debris.
Step 8: Select naturally strong, hardy, weather resistant wood.
If you plan to use lumber for your fascia and soffit replacement, be sure the wood you pick is up for the job. Ideally, the wood should not warp, buckle, split or bow from exposure to the elements.
Step 9: Spend the time to put on the finishing touches.
The time you spend to caulk, seal, sand and paint the edges and ends of the fascia will strengthen the most vulnerable areas of the fascia – the ends.
By following these steps, you can protect the interior of your attic and house from the elements and unwelcome visitors and preserve the curb appeal and resale value of your home.
