When you think about your roof, you probably think mostly about the shingles. However, roofs contain many essential parts. The soffit and fascia are both vital elements to a functional roof, and you do not want to neglect them. To have your soffit and fascia repaired or assessed, call Gotcha Covered Contracting at 724-581-8147 today.
What Does Soffit Do?
When you stand right under your house and look up, you can see the soffit. It is the siding under the overhang of your roof. It may not always be visible from the street.
The soffit’s primary function is to ventilate your attic. It has small holes that allow the moisture and heat to escape. If your soffit is not working correctly, you’ll experience:
- Mold from built-up moisture
- Excessive heat in your attic during the summer
- Animals and insects invading your home
It is important to check your soffit regularly for holes or cracks. Cracks in the soffit can lead to infestations and other significant problems. Have a professional contractor inspect your roof to make sure everything is working correctly.
What Does Fascia Do?
The fascia is the exposed board of siding that is above the soffit. Because it hangs on the side of your roof, you can see your facia from the street.
It is important to maintain your fascia boards because:
- they support the bottom row of your roof shingles
- they are visible to people looking at your home
- they support your gutters
If your fascia boards show signs of rot, you’ll want to replace them quickly. Your gutters funnel rainwater away from your roof, and they depend on the fascia to stay in place.
The Best Material for Soffit and Fascia
Contractors construct the soffit can from different materials depending on your climate. The most common materials are:
- Wood
While not heavily used for soffits, wood is a classic option for fascia. It is affordable and gives your home a natural look. Most wood for home construction is treated so that it is water-resistant. The downside to wood is that it may not last as long as some other options. Therefore, you may have to maintain and repair your fascia constantly.
- Aluminum
Aluminum is a versatile material for soffit and fascia. It can even be used with wood to protect the wood from weathering. Aluminum is durable and won’t cost much to maintain.
However, aluminum is more expensive than wood. It can also be easily dented.
- Vinyl
Vinyl is mainly popular because it is easy to install and extremely durable. It can also come in many different colors to best complement your home’s style. Vinyl also keeps rodents and insects out.
Having correctly installed fascia and soffit can make your home more energy-efficient. You want to keep them in good condition to avoid major problems with your roof.
Do you want to know more about roofing, or do you need a contractor in Carnegie, Pennsylvania? Call Gotcha Covered Contracting at 724-581-8147.