It’s easy to take your soffits for granted. They’re just there, doing their thing and keeping everything in place. But if you’ve never done any DIY work on your house before, you might not know its importance or how it works. Don’t worry – we’re here with some basic information to help get you started!
What is a soffit?
Technically, a soffit is any material that makes up the underside of a part of your house, including ceilings, stairs and cornices. Older homes might feature soffits as a decorative element, while other structures use soffits to hide things like structural beams, HVAC ducts or plumbing.
There are interior and exterior soffits. We’ll be focusing on exterior soffits for this article. Those are the most common type, and they are located outside your home on the edge of the eave. Source: Home.HowStuffWorks
What are the differences between a soffit and a fascia?
Materials
Soffit is typically made of vinyl or aluminum, but wood is also used in some construction. Vinyl and aluminum soffit is usually available in a variety of colors to match the home’s siding. Fascia boards are commonly made of wood but also might be purchased in plastic and aluminum. Plastic and aluminum fascia is also available in various colors.
Durability
Soffit is more vulnerable to the elements than any other part of your home. Soffit is constantly exposed to water flowing from torn shingles, damaged or rusted flashing and damaged or malfunctioning gutters. Birds and squirrels like to nest in the space behind soffits if they can find a way in and can cause damage to the soffit. Soffit should be replaced if it shows signs of damage or rotting. Fascia board is not as susceptible to water damage as soffit, but if fascia boards have been exposed to water and show signs of rot, they can detach and will have to be replaced. Source: Hunker
Additional tips
– If you discover mildew or mold on your soffit, use a soft brush or broom and a cleaning solution made with bleach and water to clean it.
– Periodically check for bee, hornet or wasp nests. If you’re not comfortable working on a ladder or the nests are extensive, call a professional to remove the nests. Source: HGTV
Soffits are an essential part of your roofing system. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your home’s roofing and drains, don’t hesitate to call us anytime!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
