Soffits are the underside panels of the eaves, while fascia boards cover the ends of roof rafters. Soffit and fascia are an integral part of the roofing system and play important roles in the longevity and comfort of your home. Use these tips to keep soffit and fascia looking new year after year.
Look First
Just like you would with the gutters, regularly inspect soffit panels and fascia boards for damage. Look for small holes, streaks or stains that might be an indication of water damage, peeling paint, and the appearance of rust (metal soffits/fascia) or rot (wood soffits/fascia). Small holes in soffit and fascia can be the ideal invitation to insects and other kinds of pests to invade your roofline. Since gutters are typically attached to the fascia and bear the weight of a gutter system, it is particularly important to check for rotting boards and other potential problems.
Repair or Replace
When you do find small holes, repair them as soon as possible. Assess the areas that have been affected by water. If the water damage is extensive as evidenced by rotted soffit boards and/or fascia panels, they might need to be replaced rather than repaired. The same will apply to metal soffit and fascia if rusting is widespread.
Cleaning
Many problems related to soffit and fascia can be prevented by regular cleaning. Soffit boards and fascia panels are often overlooked by homeowners for two main reasons: the first is their importance is minimized; the second is they are not easily accessible. Fascia, especially is high up and hard to reach. Use the appropriate cleaning method for the type of material the soffit and fascia are made of. If you didn’t have the soffits and fascia installed, keep in mind that the fascia, for example, could be wood, while the soffit is vinyl. When cleaning vented soffits, ensure that they are not soaked through or that water is forced into openings (avoid using a pressure washer)
