Did you know there’s a fairly easy way to prevent soffit damage in your home? And it doesn’t cost a lot either. The simple act of cleaning out your gutters minimizes the impact of water damage on the soffits—and the inevitable mold growth, if you leave them unattended. Find out the severity of the damage, the repairs it requires and how to prevent soffit damage below.
Neglecting soffits
Soffits are notoriously vulnerable. The underside of the home’s eave forms the soffits. As a result, they are particularly prone to weatherization damage. If the soffit gets wet repeatedly, it can lead to wood rot. Left unchecked, the moisture turns into insidious mold, which can further infect the wood components of your home’s structure. Wetness can also result from:
- Shingles that are damaged and dripping water onto the soffit
- Flashing that’s rusted or damaged
- Gutters that aren’t working properly
Repairs
If soffit damage is caused by gutter problems, repairs will involve cleaning out the gutters and replacing any leaky sections. The damaged soffit must also be replaced. Typically, you’ll need to hire a roofer to do the job, especially if the soffit is located on a portion of the roof with a steep pitch. In most cases, the roofer will need to remove the damaged section entirely and perhaps more of the soffit, depending upon the best course of action to prevent further moisture problems. The roofer should also address any missing or damaged shingles, failed flashing and other factors contributing to the problem.
Prevention
The best way to prevent damage to any part of the roof involves regular inspections. Take a walk around your home, looking carefully at the soffits, shingles and flashing for evidence of damage or moisture. You can also hire a roofer to evaluate your home and look for early warning signs. Finally, keeping gutters in good condition helps ward off damage due to moisture.
If you’d like expert advice on the condition of your roof or you need a professional assessment of your soffits, Findlay Roofing is here for you. Just give us a call today to talk to one of our roofing specialists.
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