With everything going on in each other’s busy lives, people can tend to overlook certain things that should be taken more seriously, like getting enough sleep, drinking water, avoiding stress, and maintaining the roof of your house.
Yes, the roof. Roofs are often overlooked by many—in fact, they’re not even included in home renovation shows! Some people think once the roof is attached to the house, it’s all good, and you can forget about it and never speak of it again. Wrong!
Like all things, your house’s roof only lasts a few years or decades—but only if you’re responsible enough. If you ignore your roof for too long, it could cause damage and severe leaking, thus leading to premature replacements and repairs. Give your roof some attention; inspect its condition regularly and check if your fascias and soffits are looking good and intact! Checking your fascias and soffits is essential to ensuring that your house remains a safe space for the family. Don’t overlook your fascias and soffits, or else everything could come crashing down—literally.
What Are Fascias and Soffits?
The fascia, or the “transition trim,” is the long, exposed board mounted at the point where the roof meets the house’s outer walls. The fascia supports the bottom edge of the roof tiles, keeps moisture out, and carries all the guttering.
Meanwhile, the soffit, tucked under the fascia, is the siding underneath the roof’s overhang covering the eaves. The soffit often has holes to allow air to pass through while preventing animals and insects from entering.
Fascias and soffits are usually made from materials like aluminum and wood—but recently, there has been a rise in the popularity of synthetic and composite materials like UPVC and vinyl. More homeowners are beginning to prefer vinyl material more than their traditional counterparts because they’re much more affordable and durable. Vinyl fascias and soffits also come in a wide range of colours and designs and are environmentally-friendly, to boot.
Signs That Your Fascias and Soffits Are Damaged
When it comes to your roof, you really should sweat the small stuff. Seriously damaged soffits and fascias could cause problems and expensive repairs in the future if not maintained well. If you notice any of these signs in your home, it’s time to call a handyman near you.
Peeling or Cracking Paint
Peeling paint could mean that you have rotting fascia boards. This causes leaks and makes it easier for animals to nest inside.
Presence of Animals and Insects
Rotted fascias and soffits make it easier for unwanted house guests to enter your home since they are now much easier to tear down than when they were in good condition.
Leaky Gutters
If your gutters tend to drip and leak, they are probably clogged with leaves and other debris. Your fascias and soffits are close to the gutter, making them extremely vulnerable to water damage. Once you see your gutter leaking, chances are, your fascias and soffits are already beginning to rot.
Ventilation Issues
Soffits offer ventilation to the attic and minimize moisture and heat. If you begin to have any problem with your ventilation or you notice that your HVAC system is straining, you might have to check the condition of your soffits.
Conclusion
Don’t wait to find all of these signs in your home—regularly have your fascias and soffits inspected to prevent any problems. If you don’t think you can handle the inspection on your own, you can always ask a trusted handyman near you for assistance.
Are you looking for Ottawa handyman services to help you with fascia and soffit replacement? For 15 years, Gillespie Handyman Services has been serving commercial and residential customers in Ottawa. Whether the job is big or small, our home improvement experts can tackle it! Visit our website to get a free quote today.