Soffits and Fascias: The Role They Play

The rafters of your roof would be exposed at the edges if soffits and fascias didn’t exist. The soffits are the covering beneath the rafters. They extend from the wall to the edge of the roof. The fascias serve as the covering at the end of the rafters.

Soffits and Fascias, Then and Now

A roofer might have used timber soffits and fascias in the old days, but wood has its weaknesses primarily when it is exposed to moisture. It can also be prone to rot over time, and weakened timber is no match for insects and small animals, which can make your rafters their home.

A professional roofing contractor today, however, is likely to recommend a different material for the soffits and fascias on your home. Aluminum, vinyl and uPVC are popular materials for this purpose. They’re light and easy to install, yet they are sturdy and rot-proof. 

Roles They Play

Soffits and fascias play a role in keeping your home safe from the elements. In some areas, winds are strong enough to push snow, dust and rain against your walls and under the roof edges. Soffits prevent debris, water, and animals from entering your home from under the rafters on the lower parts of your roof. The fascias, meanwhile, protect the edges of the roof and the soffits from the same threats. They also make your gutters and downspouts sturdy. 

As both soffits and fascias are visible from the curb, they also play a role in keeping your home’s curb appeal up. Broken, discolored, and absent soffits and fascias make your home look dilapidated, causing it to quickly lose value.

Keeping Soffits and Fascias in Good Condition

To keep your soffits and fascias in good condition, inspect them at least once a year for any damage, cracking, peeling, or animal penetration. You might also want to look at them if there are signs of water damage on the walls. It’s also important to inspect your gutters and downspouts for clogs before and after the rainy and snowy months. Clogs can cause water to pool and put undue pressure on gutters and any connected components. They can also cause water to overflow, which can shorten the life of components like soffits and fascias. It’s a good idea to replace soffits and fascias when you do a roof replacement project.

Additional Pro Tips

Mold and mildew anywhere in your home are never a good sign, but sometimes their growth can’t be helped. If you spot some on your soffits or fascias, use a soft brush and a mixture of warm water and bleach to remove them before the problem gets too serious.

Don’t try to remove bee or wasp nests if they are extensive. Call a professional to take care of the problem safely and completely.

We can give you more tips at Home Pro Exteriors, Inc. We also offer professional window replacement. Call us at (845) 343-1777 for your free professional consultation. We work with homeowners in Newburgh, NY.