From Shingles to Rubber

Your home's soffit and fascia—the wood along the bottom of your roof and around your attic vents—are essential roof elements whose condition can affect the rest of your home if not maintained properly. They are crucial in preventing moisture damage to your roof.  Also, when properly designed, it adds a visual appeal to the roof. There are some signs that a roofing repair specialist should inspect the soffit and fascia. 

1. Peeling, Cracking, or Paint Peeling

Water penetrates due to cracks on the painted surface. It can grow mold in hidden areas of your home, which makes it unhealthy and increases the likelihood of further damage to the structure of your home. If the paint on the back or front of the eaves shows signs of cracking or peeling, have a roofer repair it as soon as possible. 

2. Gutter Slack 

Gutters don't just catch the leaves. They protect your fascia from flood damage. If the gutters are slack or there is a gap between the gutters and the fascia board, it may be a sign that the back of the eaves needs repair. 

Weakened eaves and fascias are even more problematic because the gutters have less support and water collects in the slacking section. This stagnant water, in turn, causes further damage to the eaves and trim, which becomes a serious problem. If you see gutter slack, contact the roofer as soon as possible. 

3. Moisture Intrusion From the Edge of the Roof

Water enters your home through a small opening between the sections of material on the back of your eaves. This can lead to serious problems such as mold growth. Some of the obvious signs of moisture ingress are distortion and cracking of the fascia, peeling of paint, and discoloration of the wood finish. If you find any of these, ask your contractor to inspect them for leaks and perform the necessary roof repair work. 

4. Poor Ventilation on the Roof

The eaves and fascia allow ventilation of the roof by allowing proper airflow to prevent the buildup of moisture in the attic. Deterioration of these roof components reduces the effectiveness of ventilation. The attic feels damp. Mold growth may also be seen. If you notice signs of moisture buildup, it's time to ask a roofer to repair it to restore proper airflow and improve the quality of the air in the home. 

5. Infestation of Pests and Small Animals

Pests and small animals can invade the roof through small gaps in the soffit. Bat nests are the most common when this problem occurs. Repairs are required to seal these penetration points. 

Water-damaged soffit and fascia not only worsen exponentially over time, but the situation can be dangerous if the repair problems of these homes are left unattended for long periods. Call a roofing repair contractor to arrange inspections and roofing repair as needed.