Signs That You Need to Replace Your Soffits and Fascia

Your roof’s soffits and fascia do more than just give your roof a clean look. That’s why they must be replaced when needed. In today’s post, we discuss the signs that you have to replace your roof’s soffits and fascia.

What Are Soffits and Fascia?

A typical sloped roof has rafter tails overhanging the tops of the exterior walls. They create gaps that, if left uncovered, would let dirt, debris and small animals into the attic. The gaps are covered by soffits – vented boards made of wood, vinyl, aluminum or fiber cement. The fascia, on the other hand, are the vertical boards that join the soffits. In addition to covering the rafter tails, it provides a substrate for the gutter hangers to be fastened to. Fascia boards are typically made of wood, but other materials like fiber cement, composite, and aluminum are also used.

Should You Get New Soffits and Fascia?

The soffits and fascia should be part of your routine roof inspection checklist. When you see the following signs, it may be time to have them replaced by your roofing contractor:

• Lack of ventilation: The soffits are an essential part of the attic ventilation system. They serve as intake vents that let cool air into the attic after ridge vents or exhaust fans release warm and humid air. You’ll need to climb into the attic and check for airflow coming through the soffits. Lack of airflow means the soffits are clogged or improperly-installed and will need to be replaced.

• Flaking or cracking paint: Wooden soffits and fascia do not come with factory-applied colors. If their surfaces are flaking or cracking, you can have them painted professionally. Also, there are soffits that are made of low-maintenance options like vinyl that can help reduce care and maintenance work.

• Moisture damage: Another surface problem that you should keep an eye out for is blistering, a clear indicator of moisture damage. Exposure to heat and moisture can also result in warping, which becomes more pronounced as time goes by. If the gutters appear to be sagging, moisture damage to the fascia may be part of the problem.

iRestore Stl provides roofing services to customers in Edwardsville, IL, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (618) 593-9203, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.