The soffit and the fascia are two of the most important components of any working roofing system. The soffit refers to the exposed surface located beneath the roof overhang. It functions as the roof's ventilation system by pulling outdoor air into the attic. The fascia board, on the other hand, consists of vertical strips that connect to the edges of the rafters. This protects the wooden components against damage. The fascia also plays an important aesthetic role by providing a smooth finish for the roof. Because these two components are so important to keeping the roof from becoming damaged, a Houston roofing contractor should be contacted if homeowners notice any deterioration.
There are several signs that the soffit or fascia may be damaged. The materials may look curled or discolored from the outside. From the inside, the wooden components may look dark green or brown in appearance. There may be a moldy or musty smell in the attic. If the attic is inspected during a rainstorm, water may actually be seen inside the attic if the damage is extensive.
Roofers from Houston Restoration Services of Houston roofing companies would be happy to answer any question you have about storm damage or remodeling.
Because the soffit and fascia are usually installed near the edges of the roof, it can be difficult for those without the requisite experience to get close enough to the area to make changes.
When a roofer is called, he or she will first perform a roof inspection to ensure that the soffit or fascia damage was not caused by another, more serious, roofing issue. If no other problems are identified, work can begin. In some cases, the soffit or fascia can simply be repaired. If the components have been exposed to moisture over a long period of time, however, it is likely that wood rot has deteriorated the underlying components. In these particular cases, it is best to take out the soffit or fascia and replace it with new materials.
Once the soffit or fascia has been removed, the roofer can inspect the rafters and other wood components. Areas damaged by wood rot will also need to be cut out and replaced. After this work is completed, new fascia board and soffits can be cut to length and installed. The final step is to caulk the areas to ensure that there are no gaps where leaks can occur.
On some homes, the soffits and fascia board can be particularly difficult to access. Due to safety concerns, it is always recommended that homeowners contact an expert to perform any major repairs to a roofing system.
