Fascia and soffit replacement can be confusing to homeowners. Is it part of the roof or not? Should I block my soffits in the winter to retain heat? Yes and no. 😉 Kearns Brothers have answered many of these questions in the 30 + years we’ve been serving Michigan residents. Our guide to fascia and soffit repair will offer insights and tips to Detroit metro homeowners. If you still have questions, reach out and schedule some time with our sales team. There isn’t such thing as a bad question, trust us.
Fascia and Soffit Contractors
Working as a fascia and soffit contractor has its merits. We get to spend most of the year outside helping homeowners preserve their homes. There aren’t many cities in the United States as beautiful as the Dearborn. The metro Detroit area has the benefit of all four seasons, and that means your home experiences those hot and humid Michigan days and the blistering cold polar vortex. Extreme weather will age your roof system. Even the most well-maintained fascia and soffit will have difficulty enduring the constant heat, severe storms, and cold snaps. It’s this weather that makes soffit and fascia replacement a need for many homeowners in Michigan.
What Do Soffit and Fascia Look Like?
Soffit and fascia act as a critical piece of your roofing system, but what do they look like? Your soffit and fascia connect at their edges. The soffit rests under the eaves of your home. Have you ever looked up underneath the eaves of your house and seen small vents? That’s your soffit, and those little vents work magic if they are working correctly. Fascia is the board directly behind the gutters. It holds your gutters in place and forms a right angle with the soffit.
What Does Fascia Do?
Fascia is a line of protection against moisture, animals, and insects in your home. Fascia is a long wooden board and helps close the attic. It also acts as a support anchor for the gutters and the first line of shingles to rest on it. Fascia serves a curb appeal purpose as well. It covers the ends of your home’s rafters.
What is The Purpose of Soffit?
Soffit seals the eaves and roof void of your home. It prevents moisture and animals from getting in your roof. Additionally, soffit is a critical component for passive airflow throughout your roof and attic. There are several options when it comes to ventilation systems. You do not need all of these types of vents to pair with your soffit. Doubling up on some of these vent systems can make your venting inefficient.
What Types of Passive Air Flow Vents Work With Soffit?
- Ridge Vents
The location of your ridge vent is at the peak of your home. They contain continuous ventilation run in the ridge to allow air to flow easily out of your attic. A ridge vent will prevent rain, snow, insect, and debris from getting into your home.
- Gable Vents
Gable vents are in homes that have a gable roof. A gable roof has vents strategically placed on each end. Gable vents let air in and out. Air will flow from end to end of the attic, and the soffit will add air to the gable airflow.
- Box Vents
Box vents are also known as turtle vents. A series of box vents are spread out along the ridge link of your roof to help move airflow out of your attic. Box vents are great additions if you need to add ventilation to your attic. However, we do not recommend creating a new ventilation system with soffits and box vents.
- Turbine Vents
A turbine vent spins in a gentle breeze. As the turbine spins, it pulls air out of your attic. The turbine won’t spin if there isn’t wind to move it.
Do Roofers Repair Fascia?
At Kearns Brothers, we do repair and replace the fascia. We look at fascia and soffit as part of your roof system. There can be consequences to your roof health if part of the system is underperforming. Furthermore, there can be issues with your roof system that mimic a roof leak. You could open up the opportunity to miss soffit and fascia issues if you trust an inexperienced company or one that only focuses on one aspect of your roof system. In short, you could pay for an incorrect repair based on a faulty analysis. Kearns Brothers includes fascia and soffit in our 17 point inspection process. All of our inspections are free so if you are concerned about the state of your roof, give us a call to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
Why Do I Need Soffit and Fascia Repair?
Soffit and fascia are, admittedly, hands-off meaning that they don’t require much upkeep. That said, there are clear signs that show the fascia and soffit are starting to wear out.
The Top 9 Reasons For Fascia and Soffit Replacement
- Fascia and soffit that is weak or has cracks. Any weakened places in the soffit and fascia mean that you will need a replacement sooner than later. Cracks are an opening for insects, animals, and moisture to enter your home.
- Gutters are starting to sag. Sagging gutters are indicative that the spikes or screws are not holding in the fascia board.
- Ice dam formation in the winter. Soffits are a critical component of airflow through the attic of your home. A compromised soffit can occur if you experience an ice dam.
- Water stains on interior walls. When water stains appear on the wall, it may not be your roof leaking. There is a good chance that moisture is coming from the eaves. Moisture could find its way in around the fascia. The other option is that airflow is restricted through your attic, thus causing condensation issues or a leak.
- Blocked or deteriorated soffit. Airflow is critical for the optimum performance of your roof system. When cool air does not flow into your attic, you could be facing mold, mildew, and rot problems.
- Insects or animals have ruined the soffit or fascia. Animals can wreak havoc on soffit and fascia. Squirrels have to chew on to keep their teeth under control. Wood soffit and fascia are perfect materials for squirrels to chew. Carpenter bees will bore holes into the fascia, which will give access to your attic for more insects or water.
- Asbestos in the soffit. Older homes use asbestos in their insulation. Asbestos is a carcinogen and may require an expert for removal.
- Failing soffit and fascia may lead to moisture in the roof void. The cause of the leak can lead to severe problems with your roof system and potential early failure of your shingles.
- You find peeling or bubbling paint on your exterior siding. You have a problem if the exterior paint starts to peel where the soffit meets the wall. Peeling exterior paint is a moisture problem, not a paint problem. Water is getting under the paint and causing it to peel.
What Types of Soffit and Fascia Are Available?
Soffit and fascia are available in a wide selection of materials. Each material has merits that depend on what type of siding material you use and what goals you have for your home.
Vinyl
- Available in a palette of colors
- Inexpensive
- Rot-resistant
- Resistant to insect damage
- Easy to maintain
Aluminum
- Resistant to rot
- Impervious to insect damage
- Fire resistant
- Low maintenance
James Hardie
- Sturdy, made from concrete and wood fiber
- Multiple textures
- Resists insects and animals
- Rot-resistant
- Fireproof
Wood/ Cedar
- Eco-friendly
- High aesthetic value
- Several materials
Expert Advice to Prolong the Life of Your Fascia and Soffit
The great thing about soffit and fascia maintenance is that you can complete it while you clean your gutters. Being able to complete several home maintenance tasks simultaneously makes doing this efficient work!
How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
Clean your gutters are step one if you want to prolong the life of your soffit and fascia. Clogged gutters cause problems, especially in the winter, where a backed-up gutter can lead to an ice dam and cause much more damage. Clean your gutters at least twice a year. You may need to clear them more often if you live near a bunch of trees. You should remove all debris from your gutters. Use your garden hose to run water into the gutters and see if there are any back-ups. Check your downspouts and make sure that water carries away from your home.
How Do I Clean Soffit and Fascia?
The soffit and fascia get exposed to the elements 365 days a year. They accrue dirt and grime. First, blow out the soffit vents with canned air or an air compressor. Second, find a sponge or mitt and gently clean the soffits and fascia with a solution of
- ½ cup of dish soap
- 2 gallons of water
- 2 tbsp of bleach
Gently spray off the soapy mixture with a spray nozzle hose.
What Problems Should I Look For With My Fascia and Soffit?
While you are up on the ladder, take some time to inspect your fascia and soffit. A thorough inspection can head off any potential problems and save you money in the long run.
What Homeowners Should Look For While Inspecting Their Soffit and Fascia
- Rotted soffit or fascia
- Animal or insect damage (squirrels chewing on it or carpenter bees boring holes in fascia)
- Any areas of peeled caulking
- Loose gutters or any places where water pooled
- Soffit clogged with insulation, debris, or insects
Check For Insects or Pests
Animals and insects are known to chew and bore holes on fascia and soffit. Make sure there are not any holes or openings around your roofline. Moisture, more insects, or pests will get into your home. Call an exterminator or animal removal service if you see evidence of critters in your attic.
Soffit and Fascia FAQs
Should I Block My Soffits in the Winter to Retain Heat?
Blocking your soffits is a big no-no. Your attic temperature should be around the outside air temperature. There is insulation on the floor of your attic to insulate it away from the rest of your home. If you trap warm air in your attic, you increase the chances of
- Mold and mildew growth
- Ice dams
- Blistered shingles
Is Soffit Necessary?
Soffit is necessary on your home. Soffit is part of a passive ventilation system in your home. Soffits help move cool air into your attic, and the vent system helps move hot and moist air out. Trapping hot, damp air in your attic leads to mold and mildew growth and can cause your roof to rot.
Am I Able to Power Wash Soffit and Fascia?
You can power wash soffit and fascia using a pressure washer. We do recommend using it on a low setting when spraying around your attic. You do not want to force water into your attic space. The water forced into your attic could lead to the formation of mold or create moisture damage.
Soffit and Fascia Repair Near Dearborn
Kearns Brothers have been helping Michigan homeowners with their soffit and fascia repair for over 30 years. As the 2021 Roofer of the Year, we take our job seriously. We pride ourselves on providing Dearborn residents with the highest quality product and service. We have convenient financing options available. Call or email us today for an expert consultation on your roof system.
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