Soffits and fascia are essential parts of any sloped roofing system, even if your clients may not be familiar with them. Understanding the causes of soffit and fascia damage is essential for roofing contractors who want to keep their clients’ concerns from becoming long-term.
Continue reading to learn about damage’s effects and causes and how to choose a long-lasting cure.
Overview of Soffits and Fascia
The siding and roof overhang are joined by the soffit, which serves as a skin to shield the inside roofing structure from moisture and hide the eaves.
Its primary duties include ensuring the attic is properly ventilated. Small openings in the soffit promote airflow, which aids in removing heat and moisture.
The fascia, which is a horizontal band or strip of material, covers the exposed ends of the roof rafters or trusses. Along with enhancing the roofing system’s looks, the fascia offers a number of services.
They include fastening the gutters to the roof, keeping them in place, stopping water from entering buildings and roof decks, and keeping insects, birds and other wildlife out.
Soffit and Fascia Damage and Its Effects
Soffit and fascia made of wood are vulnerable to moisture damage. Prolonged contact with the weather can lead to wet or dry rot, cracking, or warping. Low-quality vinyl soffit and fascia may develop cracks or gaps due to physical trauma or temperature changes.
Damaged soffit and fascia can collect moisture, which helps mould and mildew grow in addition to degrading aesthetics.
Mould
As a result of its near-impossibility to be completely eradicated without a remedial company’s help, mould is an expensive issue to fix.
In particular, humans’ respiratory and immune systems are severely harmed by dampness and mould, underscoring the importance of having a safe roof.
Moisture
Fascia damage permits moisture to enter a building as well, which, if left unattended, can result in expensive roof repairs.
A well-sealed roof system is also essential for maintaining a warm building since openings in the fascia structure allow heat to escape, increasing energy costs.
What Damages the Soffit?
Soffit damage is the primary cause of roof issues, highlighting the importance of a well-designed sealed roof protection system.
Buildings often produce moisture, and if it is not allowed to escape, it settles and condenses inside the structure, leading to a number of expensive damp issues.
What Leads to Damaged Fascia?
Rot and dampness can quickly spread throughout the roof, endangering the building. More quickly than soffits, fascia damage can be brought on by clogged gutters and severe water leakage.
Fascia boards that are past their prime will no longer be able to hold gutter fasteners in place, ultimately allowing the gutter system to liberate itself from the roof.
Keep a watch out for potential bird and rodent infestations on the fascia since these can lead to structural weaknesses that permit moisture to penetrate the roof.
The fascia structure needs to be taken off, inspected, and possibly replaced if it is not entirely sealed.
Conclusion
Soffit and fascia have a vital role in protecting your home from the elements and can also add to its curb appeal.
However, they are also susceptible to damage, and it’s important to be aware of the most common types of damage so that you can take steps to prevent it.
If you suspect that your soffit or fascia is damaged, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
They will be able to determine the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action. The damage can often be fixed, but the entire system may need to be replaced in some cases.
If you need a company specializing in soffit and fascia in Ottawa, you should call Gillespie Handyman! We provide a wide variety of quality home improvement services at affordable prices. Call today to schedule an appointment.