Soffits and fascias are important parts of your roof system, both aesthetically and practically. These board sections around and below a roof’s edge give your home a cleaner look and help keep moisture out.
If you notice cracks and flaking paint, deterioration, or other signs of damage, it may be time for soffit and fascia repair. So, what are the most common fascia and soffit problems, and how can you detect them?
Soffit and Fascia Materials
Your home’s soffits and fascia are the siding parts you can see around the roof’s perimeter. The soffits are directly underneath the eaves, while the fascia sits perpendicularly to the soffits, covering the roof’s edge and supporting the gutters.
Homeowners can choose between different soffit and fascia materials:
- Wood – While wood is an affordable soffit and fascia material, it tends to deteriorate quickly and needs regular upkeep to prevent cracking, rot, and mold.
- Vinyl – Vinyl is an inexpensive, low-maintenance soffit and fascia option. While vinyl costs more than wood per linear foot, it lasts longer, doesn’t require painting, and doesn’t peel or fade.
- Aluminum – Durable and lasting, aluminum is an excellent fascia and soffit choice. The drawbacks of aluminum are its high price and tricky installation.
- Composite – Composite materials made of plastic and wood fibers are another option to consider for soffits and fascias. Composite soffits and fascias are strong, durable, and moisture resistant.
Common Soffit and Fascia Problems
Soffit and fascia issues may happen because of improper installation, poor maintenance, or general wear and tear. Let’s look at a few problems that often occur in these parts of the roof system.
Moisture Damage
Lack of soffit vents may lead to moisture buildup, mold, mildew, and rot. Even worse, if you have a shingle roof, non-vented soffits may invalidate your shingle warranty. Approximately every 150 square feet of attic space require a square foot of ventilation.
Dry Rot
Dry rot may occur in wooden siding, soffits, and fascias when fungi consume the wooden boards. Dry rot appears as cracking, warping, and crumbling. If you have a dry rot problem, you’ll usually need a full replacement of the damaged area.
Pest Infestations
Any cracks or holes in soffits and fascias attract wasps, birds, rodents, and other pests that view your attic as a convenient nesting space. Be sure to seal any holes in your soffits and fascia and install durable screens or covers over soffit vents.
Tips for Soffit and Fascia Maintenance
Your soffit and fascia will last longer if you:
- Clean surface dirt with a mixture of water and mild detergent using a bristle brush
- Add bleach to the cleaning solution to remove mold
- Use compressed air to remove dirt and grime buildup from vented soffit boards
- Clean your gutters regularly to prevent clogging and water overflow
- Check soffits for any holes or gaps that may allow critters to get in
A professional annual roof inspection will help you catch any fascia and soffit issues before they become serious.
Do You Need Fascia and Soffit Repair?
In some cases, you can replace the damaged sections of your soffits and fascia. However, if the deterioration has spread, your smartest choice may be to replace the fascia and soffits around your entire house.
Soffit and fascia repair is a job that calls for professional roofers, like our crew at Sundown Exteriors. Hiring a skilled roofing expert will ensure your soffits and fascia protect your home, require minimal maintenance, and last as long as possible.
You may need fascia and soffit repair if you notice:
- Cracking and peeling paint
- A persistent pest problem
- Ventilation and moisture issues
- Visible holes or damage to the soffit and fascia
Sundown Exteriors: Soffit and Fascia Repair and Replacement in Central Illinois
Are you dealing with ventilation issues, moisture infiltration, or visible signs of soffit or fascia damage? Contact us at Sundown Exteriors for fast, cost-effective soffit and fascia repair. Our award-winning, green-certified local roofers offer replacement of fascia board, fascia repair, soffit replacement, and any type of soffit and fascia work in Bloomington, Normal, Lincoln, Peoria, and the surrounding areas.
Call (309) 275-6801 or contact us online for a free estimate.