A roof isn’t just a barrier made of asphalt shingles (or in some cases, metal or tiles). They have different components that work together to allow your roof to do its job—protecting you from the elements.
Some of these components are underrated and underappreciated, such as the soffits and fascia. Though they figure prominently in making sure the gutters work well, most homeowners ignore damage to these areas, thinking they’re not as important in the grand scheme of things (or they don’t know that the gutters, in fact, rely on them). Here are a few more reasons why you shouldn’t ignore soffit and fascia damage:
Soffits and fascia refer to the parts of the roof that form its edges. The soffit is a board that is placed beneath the rafter tails, facing downward, acting like a “ceiling” for the part of the roof that is exposed outside. The fascia, meanwhile, is a vertical board placed on the edges of the rafters, facing outward.
In most gutter replacement projects, the gutters themselves are attached to the fascia (which are, in turn, may be attached to the soffit for structural strength). Therefore, if the fascia is compromised (such as with water damage), so would the gutters.
These two components are prone to damage more than any other part of the roof (except, probably, the top surface of the asphalt shingle roof). Their placement means they are exposed to moisture, especially when it’s raining. Soffits and fascia also tend to have inadequate ventilation, which only exacerbates water-related damage because moisture couldn’t evaporate.
Soffits and fascia, when damaged, can also allow critters to come into your home, by way of the attic, as they’re practically barriers. Plus, without them, moisture can indefinitely cause more shenanigans in the roof—including dry rot and mold growth—which highlights the problem with excessive moisture.
Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal is one of the area’s top-rated roofing contractors . For more information on what our tile roofs can do for your roof replacement project, call us at (785) 628-3614 or (785) 462-6642. You can also fill out our contact form here. We serve residents in and around Hays and Colby, KS.