Soffit and Fascia
Soffit and fascia are exterior elements of your home or business that are just as important as your windows and doors. Together, they create better insulation and structural integrity for your home or business.
Soffit is the section of your roof's overhang that's usually hard to see unless you're in close proximity to your home. Soffit plays an important role in ventilating your attic space and keeping pests out of your home. Without proper installation and maintenance of your soffit, you risk your home developing mold due to the built-up moisture that soffit helps eliminate.
Fascia is equally important. Fascia is the exposed board on the front of your roof's overhang that's directly above the soffit. Fascia, unlike soffit, is visible from the road and must be kept in good condition to maintain its visual appeal. This is especially important because the gutters are installed directly on the fascia. If you have shingles or tiles on your roof, the fascia also serves as the final layer of support for the given roofing material.
Materials for Soffit and Fascia
Soffit and fascia can be constructed from a number of materials, including aluminum, wood, and vinyl. Issues such as poorly installed fascia can deteriorate and leak in cases of extreme weather and rain. Properly maintaining and waterproofing both sections of your roof's overhang, which is in such close proximity to your home's gutter system, will be instrumental in preserving your home's integrity.
As aforementioned, soffit and fascia help prevent unwanted pests from entering your home, but they also serve as prime nesting locations for insects such as wasps and bees. Regularly checking your soffit and fascia for holes, cracks, and other imperfections will help prevent these animals from ever nestling too close to your home. Another issue facing your soffit and fascia may be mildew or mold, which can be scrubbed away using a soft brush, water, and bleach.