Many roofs extend past the sides of the home, which is the traditional style for most homes in Texas. This extension is called the rafter, and the bottom part that can be seen from below is called the soffit. It’s important to keep this part of your roof structure in good shape, because it needs ventilation for air to pass through your attic. Otherwise, moisture and heat will start to build up (which can cause your shingle and roof deck to become weaker).
Soffit Needs Repairs
Why Soffits Are Important
When a roof extends past the walls of your home, it creates an overhang. The soffit lines the underside of the exposed roof and serves as a source of ventilation. If your home has a front porch, it acts like a ceiling for that area. It’s important to have enough ventilation, because it will protect your home from heat and moisture (which will prevent mold growth and rot).
Soffits can be vented or closed, depending on your home’s specific needs. Vented soffits promote airflow and are a stylish alternative to metal vents. Some overhang areas (such as the one that leads to your attic) are large, so they may require vented soffits. But for others, a closed soffit is more suitable.
Aside from the practical benefits, soffits can enhance the look of your home. Choosing certain house siding and trim color combinations can make your home’s exterior look better. But because they cover the bottom part of these extensions, many homeowners don’t think about their cosmetic appeal.
Types of Soffit Materials
Soffits can be made out of a variety of materials, but here are some of the more popular options:
- Wood — This is a traditional option that’s valued for its beauty and versatility. It can be painted or stained to match your home’s design and can be made out of different types of wood (with each one having varying degrees of durability and resistance to decay).
- Fiber Cement — This composite material is made from sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. It’s a popular choice because of its durability and low maintenance requirements. It’s also resistant to rot, warping, termites, and harsh weather.
- Vinyl and PVC — This is a popular choice among homeowners because of its affordability and low maintenance requirements. It’s made from PVC, which is resistant to rot and insects. The color can also be baked into the material, so it will eliminate the need for repainting. It can even give you the aesthetic versatility of wood grain without having to deal with the extra maintenance requirements.
- Aluminum — This material is a good balance between durability, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. Its light weight makes it easy to install, so it’s a popular choice for both new constructions and renovations. It’s also impervious to moisture and pests, which can significantly reduce the risk of wood rot and infestations.
- Steel — Because of its durability, steel is a good choice for homeowners who are looking for long-term protection. It’s extremely resistant to harsh weather, rot, pests, and damage caused by strong winds or hail. It can also be painted in a number of colors and textures, so it can easily match any home style.
Be sure to speak to a professional roofer for more information.
The Importance of Soffit Repair
Roof repairs often involve the replacement of damaged shingles and rusted flashing, but the overhang is often the first place that succumbs to rot, peeling paint, and other weather-related issues. But unlike most roof repairs, you can fix an overhang without climbing on the roof. Soffits are susceptible to water damage caused by improper flashing, torn shingles, and gutters that don’t work properly. Once that water has seeped in, the rot can spread quickly because it will stay soggy inside these dark spaces.
Birds and squirrels that nest in these areas can also cause damage. They have been known to chew or peck through the wood, but they’re especially attracted to a fascia or soffit that has been damaged by water because they’re easier to break through. Bees and hornets can also build nests in and under roof overhangs, so be sure to call an exterminator if you notice this problem.
Soffit repair is often performed by taking the following steps:
- Removing any shingle mold.
- Removing the rotted fascia.
- Removing the old soffit.
- Removing the rotted rafter.
- Attaching a cleat.
- Attaching a new rafter.
- Sealing the replacement soffit.
- Attaching the replacement soffit.
- Replacing the crown molding.
- Attaching the replacement fascia.
- Attaching the shingle mold.
If you need soffit repair and are looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Bayfront Roofing.
