Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof’s Soffit and Fascia

Soffit and fascia are far more than just aesthetic roofing components, and must be replaced to ensure your roof is protected from many types of damage. In today’s post, local roofing contractor Pawcatuck Roofing Co. shares the signs that your roof needs new soffit and fascia.

What Are Soffit and Fascia?

Sloped roofs have rafter tails that overhang the tops of exterior walls. The gap created by this overhang, if uncovered, would allow small animals and windblown debris access to the attic. Soffits are the vented horizontal boards that cover this overhang, and can be made from wood, aluminum or vinyl.

Fascia are vertical boards that cover the rafter tails. Like soffits, fascia adds a finished look to a sloped roof. They are also the part of the roof where the gutters are hung. Fascia boards are typically made of wood, as well as aluminum, composite and fiber cement.

Signs That You Need New Soffit and Fascia

If you notice one or more of the following signs, contact a roofing repair contractor.

Lack of Ventilation — Soffits and fascia are essential to roof ventilation. They complement the exhaust vents at the ridge, and allow air circulation in the attic. If you notice little to no ventilation in the attic—the air would feel too warm and humid—then your soffit and fascia may be part of the problem.

Flaking Paint and Cracked Surfaces — Soffits and fascia are visible from the ground, therefore deteriorating material and paint can be easily seen. While it is possible to scrape and repaint these parts, their performance won’t be as good as new ones.

Suspected Asbestos — If your home was built in the 1970’s and hasn’t had structural changes made to it, chances are some parts of the roof have asbestos. You need to let your roof repair or replacement contractor know about it, as such components will need to be removed carefully to avoid dispersing asbestos fibers.

Moisture Damage — Watch out for signs of moisture damage, including swollen or warped wood and blistered outer coating. If these signs are visible from the ground, it means the moisture damage has already set in, therefore the soffits and/or fascia will have to be replaced.

Pawcatuck Roofing Co. is your leading provider of residential and commercial roof replacement services. Give us a call at (860) 599-1024. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Westerly, RI, and surrounding communities.