Many homeowners are only concerned about the parts of the roof that they are familiar with, like shingles or tiles. But a good roofing system is actually composed of at least seven main components, and one important element that doesn’t get much attention is the soffit. It can be made from a number of different materials, including fiber cement, steel or even wood, but it is most commonly made from vinyl or aluminum.
About Your Roof’s Soffit
The soffit is the exposed surface beneath the roof overhang. It plays an integral role in keeping your roof in top shape and ensuring a well-ventilated attic. It serves as an intake vent that draws fresh outdoor air into the attic and pushes moist, stale air out through negative pressure. This in turn helps regulate the temperature of not just your attic but also the rest of your home. Thus, the soffit must be given care and attention like the rest of your roof’s components.
Common Soffit Problems and How To Prevent Them
All the components of your roof are prone to some sort of damage. Fortunately, most of them can be prevented with regular maintenance. The soffit is no different. Since soffits are paneling that surrounds your home directly underneath the eaves as part of your ventilation system, the most common problem for soffits is water damage.
The best way to keep soffits in good shape is to ensure that your gutters are clear of debris. Clogged gutters can spill over onto your soffit, leading to rot. A visual inspection can be done whenever you’re maintaining or cleaning your gutters.
Another common issue that homeowners face is pest infestation. Small animals, like squirrels or birds, like to force their way into the eave space and make their nests there. To stop them from entering your home and spreading diseases, use regularly spaced soffit vents or grilles that are nailed into place.
When you need small roof repairs for your home or are looking to get a new roof for your commercial building, Howard Roofing & Home Improvements is the company to trust. No job is too big or too small for our team of experts. Simply give us a call at (636) 296-1057 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.