Soffits and fascia are integral components of your roofing system. Regular exterior maintenance is key to ensuring these components don’t fail, which can result in leaks and pest infestation. So what exactly are soffits and fascia?
Soffits cover the eaves where the rafters extend beyond the exterior walls of a structure. The fascia is the exposed band at the end of the rafters, stretching horizontally. Both add visual appeal but they also serve another big purpose: they keep pests and the elements out. Here are some more things you should know about soffits and fascia.
Materials
Fascia and soffit used to be made of wood or aluminum, but with the rise in popularity of more durable and versatile synthetic and composite materials, they are now also made from vinyl or PVC.
Additionally, it’s easy to match the vinyl trim of fascia and soffits to your home’s architectural style, thanks to the availability of several colors and styles. You can opt for a wood grain texture to resemble traditional wood, or you can choose smooth or even beaded options for a more modern and streamlined look.
Often, the material used in fascia and soffits is recycled, making it an environmentally friendly choice with today’s homeowners.
Regular Inspections
Fascia and soffits have a big job to do when it comes to protecting your home from storms, debris, pests, water and more. It’s common for high winds to blow rain and leaves under the eaves of the home. The soffit is in place to keep that rain and debris from saturating the rafters and roof boards.
If your soffits are damaged or have been poorly maintained, water will collect in those areas, resulting in costly repairs down the line due to water infiltration and leaks. It’s a good idea to visually inspect your soffits and fascia twice a year, ideally when you’re inspecting your gutters or cleaning them out in spring and fall. Better yet, hire a roofing contractor in Fargo to handle this for you.
Be on the lookout for weather damage, peeling, wear and tear, missing pieces, or wasp and bee hives. Any mold or mildew accumulation on the exterior can be removed with a mixture of bleach and a soft brush.
Ventilation
Soffits feature venting designed to keep a steady flow of air between the roof and attic. Without vents, moisture can accumulate and lead to mold growth, which can cause allergic reactions in occupants. Soffits also serve to release heat from the attic in summer. In winter, they keep the attic well ventilated, which reduces the chance of ice dams forming at the edge of your roof.
Strength
Fascia also has an important job, and it’s one of protection and strength. It serves as the last line of defense for the lower edge of your shingles. Your gutters are installed on the fascia, so the fascia must be extremely strong to support the gutter system – even during bad storms and downpours. And because fascia is seen from the street, it’s important to keep it well maintained and clean for the utmost in curb appeal.
Now that you know some facts about soffit and fascia, look at these components on your home’s roof. Do they need attention?
Contact Allstar Construction for Roofing Services in Fargo
Allstar Construction can perform routine checks on your soffits and fascia, as well as install new ones or make repairs to your home. Please contact us today at (701) 315-8150 to schedule service or get a quote.
