Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Soffit and Fascia Damage

While damage to any part of the roof deserves to be addressed in a timely manner, the soffit and fascia deserves extra care. In today’s post, Royal Exteriors LLC discusses why damage to these two roofing components should not be ignored.

The Role of Soffit and Fascia

The soffit and fascia are located at the roof’s edge. The soffit is the material that covers the gap between the top of the exterior wall and the roof’s edge, while the fascia is the vertical board that covers the rafter tails. These two components do more than just create a finished look for the roof. Soffits protect the roof from being accessed by dust, dirt and small animals, while also serving as intake vents for the roof ventilation system. The fascia serves as the substrate where the gutters are attached to.

What Happens to Damaged Soffit and Fascia?

Considering how close these two components are to each other, it’s not unusual for one to be damaged at the same time as the other. Left unrepaired, the roof can be at risk of one or more of the following:

• Moisture infiltration. Damaged fascia can directly affect the gutters, even if the latter is relatively undamaged. Fascia that has succumbed to rot may not be able to support the weight of the gutters, which increases the risk of the gutter troughs getting misaligned, resulting in overflow and leaks. Without intervention, the gutters will eventually fall off.

• Pest infestation. Soffits serve as a barrier that prevents small animals, from insects to rodents, from gaining access to the attic. It goes without saying that such pests can cause a plethora of problems once they start making your home their home.

• Poor attic ventilation. Sometimes the damage to the soffits can result in blocked airflow, which can result in numerous issues down the line. Trapped heat and moisture in the attic can cause warping and rotting to the roof framing. Certain types of attic insulation tend to form clumps when exposed to moisture. The excess heat can radiate back indoors, which can make your home less energy-efficient during the cooling season. Lastly, trapped heat can contribute to the formation of ice dams during the winter season.

Fortunately, the problems described above are preventable with regular roofing inspections. If you haven’t had your roof checked, give our team at Royal Exteriors LLC a call at (717) 723-7374. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.