Don’t Forget About Your Fascia and Soffit!

What are Fascia & Soffit, Anyway?

While most people are generally familiar with roofs and roofing materials, not everyone is familiar with some of the lingo when it comes to specific components of a roof’s infrastructure. “Fascia” and “soffit” are two of those terms that tend not to come up much at dinner parties. And if you try to work these terms into a casual conversation, many folks will often respond by giving you a blank stare.

But even if you don’t know fascia and soffit by name, you’ve almost certainly seen these features when looking up at your roof. Fascia is the visible, vertical finishing edge board at the bottom of your roof overhang. It’s the last line of support for a roof’s lower edge, and it’s also the surface upon which most gutters will be attached. For these reasons, it’s important for your fascia to be sturdy and to be kept in good condition.

So, what is soffit, then? Essentially, it’s the exposed horizontal surface underneath your roof’s overhang. Want to impress your friends with your knowledge of Latin roots? The word “soffit” literally means “to fix underneath.” The essential purposes of soffit are to cover the roof overhang and to provide essential ventilation for the attic and roof. Vents are built into the soffit to facilitate necessary air circulation which helps moderate heat and moisture buildup.

Threats to Fascia & Soffit

As with many things, fascia and soffit can deteriorate over time if not kept well-maintained. What are some of the major threats to fascia and soffit?

• Stormy conditions

Storms can be a threat to many aspects of your roof and home, and fascia and soffit are no exception. You might be surprised by how much water can be driven upwards towards the underside of your roof during a windy downpour. Fascia and soffit help prevent this moisture from making it into your rafters and attic space. However, this same moisture can take its toll on the fascia and soffit boards themselves, eventually leading to mold and rot.

• Leaky gutters

A more common threat of water damage to fascia and soffit comes from above, rather than from beneath. Overflowing or leaky gutters lead to  prolonged water exposure, which can quickly degrade the condition of your fascia and soffit boards. One of the best ways to alleviate this problem is to be sure and keep your gutters clear and flowing properly. Don’t want to have to climb a ladder to dig through your gutters several times a year? A properly-installed gutter guard can prevent your gutters from ever becoming clogged in the first place!

• Pests

If squirrels or other rodents gain access to your roof, they have a knack for chewing on things like fascia boards. They’ve even been known to gnaw at vinyl soffit. Carpenter bees, wasps, and other insects also like to nest in these areas. Paying attention to these issues and taking proper precautions can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

• Time and exposure

Of course, there are some things you can’t entirely control or prevent. Time, UV exposure, and temperature extremes eventually take their toll on all roofing and building materials, including fascia and soffit. It’s important to ensure that fascia and soffit are on your list of things to monitor whenever you do periodic checks of your home or business structure.

What Should I Do If My Fascia or Soffit Become Damaged?

If you notice any obvious mold or mildew, begin to see some soft spots, or observe any noticeable cracks, flaking paint, etc. with your fascia or soffit, it’s time to take some action. In cases like this, it’s not always practical or possible to perform spot repairs on fascia and soffit. The simpler and more effective course of action is just to replace the affected areas. If you happen to be due for a roof replacement anyway, the best solution would be to just plan to have new fascia and soffit installed along with your new roof.

And if you don’t feel capable or confident about assessing the condition of your fascia and soffit on your own, you can always entrust that task to a local, licensed roofing and home improvement professional like Skywalker Windows & Siding!

Why Choose Skywalker Windows & Siding for Your Fascia & Soffit Needs?

Performing fascia and soffit work on your own can be a very challenging DIY project. Since fascia and soffit support your roof and affect so many aspects of your roofing system, it’s really best to leave this specialty work to a trained professional. Who can you trust to take proper care of your fascia and soffit? Go with one of the most trusted names in NC and VA – Skywalker Windows & Siding!

Skywalker is one of the highest-rated, most-awarded contractors serving the NC Piedmont Triad, Piedmont Triangle, Charlotte Metro, and Roanoke, VA areas. We offer a full range of quality home improvement services, including window replacement, siding replacement, blown insulation, drywall repair, and home additions including decks and porches. But roofing is really where we cut our teeth, and we still specialize in offering the best in roofing, fascia and soffit, gutter, and gutter guard services!

Give us a call at (336) 265-9595 if you’re ready to schedule your FREE home or business inspection and consultation! We’ll work with you to choose a time that fits your schedule, and we’ll strive to limit interruptions to your daily routine as much as possible.

Reach out to us today, and experience the Skywalker difference for yourself!