If your home is like most homes around the country, the roofing system probably extends past the exterior wall. That means there’s a gap between the siding of your home and the edge of your roof called eaves. The underside of the eave is covered by a soffit.
While the soffit is just one part of the roofing system, it serves its own purpose and deserves some attention from you, as well. There are some common issues that affect soffits and you should keep an eye out for them.
Common Soffit Issues
There are many components that make up a roofing system, from the shingles to the rafters to the soffits and fascia. The shingles are perhaps a more common reason to call for roof repair, as they are fully exposed to the elements 24/7. But soffits can also suffer from several issues. Ignoring these issues long enough can lead to more expensive damage:
- Poor gutter condition. Regularly cleaning your gutters can prevent them from overflowing and suffering from clogs. Ignoring gutter clogging or damage, or installing them incorrectly, can lead to water damage to your soffits and other parts of your home.
- Ice dam formation. Ice dams may look pretty, but they are a huge problem for many homes in the U.S. As ice dams force water to back up and flow inward, your shingles, rafters, roof decking, soffits and other parts of your roof will get damaged.
- Structural flaws. Unless your flashing, shingles and other parts of your roof are correctly installed and are in good condition, you can’t trust them to protect your roof — including your soffits — from water penetration.
- Animal attacks. Some animals, including birds, rats, insects and termites, are known for forcing their way through soffits and fascia to build their nest. Make sure to check for the condition of your soffits. If they are water-damaged, they cannot serve as strong protection against animals.
Have Your Roof Inspected
To ensure the health of your soffits, as well as the rest of your roofing system, get in touch with Patriot Roofing LLC. We also offer gutter installation and other services. Call us today at (405) 217-0473 or fill out this form. We work with homeowners in Norman, OK.