Soffits cover the overhang between exterior walls and rafter tails. It creates a finished look to the roof, and allows proper attic ventilation. While they don’t get as much action as the roof or gutters, they can get damaged.
Your local provider of the best rain gutter system, Gutter Helmet® of Northern Minnesota, shares a look at what can be done to damaged soffits, and how to prevent future damage.
What Causes Damage to Soffits?
Soffits are typically made of slim wooden boards that are painted or stained to match the trim or siding. When used as an exterior component, wood is notoriously difficult to maintain. Paint and stain gets worn out over time, but it’s not as noticeable on soffits. This is what causes damage to soffits in the first place: it’s not easy to see damaged soffit until the damage is well under way.
The primary cause of damage to soffits is the excess moisture that comes from one or more of the following: roof leaks, overflowing gutters, or high humidity levels in the attic. Continuous exposure to moisture can result in wood rot and mold growth, both of which can permanently damage wooden components, including soffits.
Soffit Repairs
DIYers will insist that you can perform repairs on your soffits yourself. We recommend against it, especially if your roof still has an active warranty. Unauthorized repairs are typically considered as a warranty exclusion; doing so may void your coverage. Soffit repairs do not address the underlying cause. Roofing issues such as leaks and adequate ventilation, along with clogged gutters, must be addressed first. Repairs should, therefore, be left to professionals to ensure a permanent fix.
Preventing Damage to the Soffits
There are things that you can do to prevent damage to your soffits. If you are already conducting regular roofing inspections, make sure soffits are included, and call your roofer for repairs as soon as possible if you find signs of damage or roofing leaks. Make sure you also keep up with scheduled roofing maintenance. Investing in gutter covers like Gutter Helmet® helps prevent overflowing gutters. Lastly, if the soffits are up for replacement, choose low maintenance options like vinyl or composite soffits.
Gutter Helmet® of Northern Minnesota is your leading provider of the best rain gutter system on the market, Gutter Helmet®. Give us a call at (866) 937-3508 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Culver, Minnesota, and nearby areas.
