Soffits and fascias are vital aspects of a house, despite appearing to be decorative roof features. They protect the home from water damage, rodent infestations, and insects entering the attic.
Every roof part has an expiry date, and so do soffits and fascia. While there’s no definite time to replace them, it is advisable to contact a Soffit Repair professional when you see any signs of damage. But before that, it’s ideal to know what soffits and fascias are.
What are soffits and fascias?
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Soffits
When you look up a house, the exposed section under the overhanging part of the roof is the soffit. It connects the top to the home’s exterior walls. Most soffits have a finishing of aluminum, wood, and vinyl panels.
Without soffits, the roof’s rafters are exposed and more likely to rot faster, weakening the top. In addition, the soffits have small spaces for air circulation in the attic to maintain the correct temperature of the home.
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Fascias
Fascia is the vertical barrier separating the outside and the roof’s edge. Contractors install it near the gutter to support it as it drains water off the top when it rains.
Since the fascias are exposed to elements like sunshine and moisture, they are more susceptible to wear. However, this part of the roof can last for years with proper care and maintenance.
Fascias and soffits are essential because they improve energy efficiency in the home. Keeping the house warm in winter and cool in summer reduces the energy bills. They also provide ventilation, ensuring clean air circulation in the room.
These two roof parts are also crucial for keeping insects and rodents to the other side of the home. Today, fascias are available in many materials and decorative designs that increase the home’s curb appeal.
The fascia protects your house’s siding from rainwater that can lead to swelling, rusting, and rotting. This also protects your roof from mold build-up and discoloring, especially if it is wooden.
Signs to replace the roof’s soffits and fascias
Caring for and maintaining the roof’s soffits and fascias will increase their lifespan, but it won’t make them last forever. As they near the expiry date, you will notice some signs to show that these roof’s parts need repairs.
1. Fading and peeling paint
One of the most significant signs of aging wood is fading and peeling paint. The peeling could also be due to swelling caused by water damage, and they also fade after long exposure to sunshine.
Water causes wood to swell, and sooner or later, it will start to rot. The rotting can spread to other parts of the roof. Therefore, replacing the soffits or fascias is advisable to protect the other roof parts from damage.
2. Noise and holes
Insects infest wood and dig small holes. Other animals also build their nests in the attic and make noise as they enter. Having droppings in the attic is another evidence of insect infestation to your soffit.
Pests damage roofs, cause discomfort to the homeowner, and spread diseases and allergies to family members. Replacing the entire soffit does away with the insects and pests.
3. Leaking gutters
While homeowners mostly associate leaking gutters with blockages, other leaks indicate damage on the fascia. Therefore, when doing a gutter inspection, also check to see if your fascia is working well.
Wear and tear on the soffits or fascia can cause repairable leaks to the gutters. If the damage is past repair, the installer will advise you to buy and install new soffits and fascias.
4. Lack of ventilation
Soffits offer ventilation to the attic. If there is insufficient ventilation in the attic, it is a sign that something is wrong with the soffits. They also keep the temperatures in the attic correct. Use energy efficiency to test how well the soffits are working.
5. Presence of asbestos
Fascias and soffits in old homes contain asbestos. This is a dangerous mineral that starts to peel as it ages. The boards with peeling asbestos need a replacement. You should contact an asbestos’ professional to do the work.
Frequency of replacing soffits and fascias
How often you repair your soffits and fascias depends on their materials and current state. However, if you notice some signs of damage, schedule a repair immediately to avoid more damages.
Although wood fascias last long, they need more attention than the other materials. Consider uPVC soffits and fascias because they require less maintenance and are also durable.
If your fascias and soffits have asbestos, call a professional to remove the harmful mineral covering. They can irritate the skin and lungs, leading to difficulties in breathing.
Avoid DIY on soffits and fascias
Homeowners take pride in DIYs on home projects because it is also an excellent way to gain skills, and they enjoy doing the projects. However, do not use holes and cracks on these boards as your learning projects.
If you make the repairs incorrectly, you’ll end up with further water damage. Letting the animals live in the panels will also lead to increased wear. So, contact a professional for repairs to prevent more damages.
Get a qualified roof installer
On the internet, you’ll find tons of roof installers, all of whom claim to be qualified and competent. This makes it challenging to choose the best one. Ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations before you hire online roofers.
If you decide to hire a roofer from the internet, research thoroughly about them on their website. Please scroll down to the customer reviews section and see their client’s experience. Beware of roofers with many negative reviews.
Ask the installer to provide essential documents like license and insurance. A license shows that a person is qualified to be operating. Insurance protects the homeowner from expenses if accidents happen.
Final words
Soffits and fascias are essential parts of the house because they provide ventilation, protect the roof from water damage and increase the home’s curb appeal. These boards do not have a specific time for replacement, but you should care for them by inspecting them for any damage.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
