Soffits and the Common Issues You Should Watch Out For
Your roof is more than just your asphalt shingles. It is actually an entire system composed of several components that all work together to protect you and your family. One of the key components of your roofing system is the soffits. But what exactly are they and why is it important to keep them in good condition? In today’s post, roof repair and replacement experts Century Roofing and Siding Ltd. give you the lowdown on soffits and share three of the most common problems that you should always be on the lookout for.
What are Soffits?
From the French word meaning “formed as a ceiling” and the Latin term for “fix underneath”, the soffit is the exposed part of the overhang where your roof meets your siding. Not all homes have soffits but most do. As long as your roof extends beyond your exterior wall, then you probably have soffits.
Soffits are usually vented and will have small holes that aid in proper air circulation. This helps draw excess heat and moisture away from your house and plays a pivotal role in ventilating your attic. Roofing experts typically use vinyl soffit because they are relatively inexpensive and are easy to maintain.
Common Soffit Issues
Needless to say, your soffit should be properly maintained and kept in good shape. However, their location makes them especially susceptible to damage. Here are some of the common issues to watch out for:
Moisture Damage. Soffits are close to the gutters and, without proper care and maintenance, they can fall victim to water damage.
Dry Rot. If you have soffits that are made of wood, consider having them replaced with vinyl. Wooden soffits are vulnerable to dry rot because certain types of fungus thrive on wood fiber.
Animal Infestation. Their location makes it a prime location for birds and other small animals to nest. Make sure your soffits are properly installed by an experienced roofing contractor so that they are spaced properly to prevent animals from gaining access to your attic.
From roof repair and maintenance to full-scale replacements, turn to the team of experts at Century Roofing and Siding Ltd. If you are a home or business owner in Nepean, ON, and its surrounding communities, please feel free to give us a call at (613) 738-1774 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free appointment with one of our highly skilled roofers.
