Roof Soffits: What Are They?

Roof soffits provide a range of practical and aesthetic advantages that are beneficial to your home, particularly your roofing system. In this post, Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal Company, Inc. — a trusted expert in roofing and sheet metal — shares more information on soffits below.

Soffits

Typically installed to cover eaves, soffits may seem like a minor design detail in your home’s exterior. However, they play a more important role than that since soffits prevent rafter beams from being fully exposed to the elements. Furthermore, protecting the rafters can prevent mold growth and rotting beams, which could potentially impact the health and performance of your roofing system.

Aluminum and vinyl are two popular types of soffits. Aluminum is known for its malleability; that’s why it is commonly used to fit different spaces. The material is also very sturdy, reliable, and durable. You won’t have to worry about cracking, chipping, or rotting. Aluminum soffits are easy to maintain as well since they don’t attract too much dirt.

Vinyl soffits, on the other hand, are also durable and low-maintenance. However, they can be easily affected by heat. Over time, vinyl can become brittle and discolored if it’s constantly exposed to sunlight. Vinyl soffits, however, are cheaper than aluminum soffits. They also come in a variety of styles and textures, enabling you to achieve a highly customized design.

How to Maintain Soffits

According to roofing contractors, ensuring that the soffits are properly sealed and caulked is very important. You should also check for mildew and get rid of it immediately. A soft brush and a solution of bleach and water are usually enough to keep soffits clean.

Apart from that, you should also care for your gutters regularly. When debris and leaves fill up the gutters, these can create blockages and prevent water from draining efficiently. If that doesn’t seem to be the problem, you might want to ensure that your gutters have the right size and slope. Any problems in your gutter system can, later on, affect your soffits and then your roofing.

Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal Company, Inc. is a local company specializing in sheet metal fabrication and various types of roof systems. We have over 40 years of experience in the industry, so you can count on us to deliver quality workmanship. Call us at (785) 628-3614 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve customers in Hays and Colby, KS.