Whether you are hiring a quality professional roofing company or a DIYer for roof inspection, repair or installation, you need to understand the parts of your roof.
Main Roofing Parts
As described from Angieslist.com, here are the main components of a roof and common problems associated with each:
Soffit
This wood or vinyl portion beneath the roof overhang attracts small animals and insects. Look for cracks, holes and rotting.
Fascia
Moisture can easily ruin wooden fascia boards that runs along the roof line.
Gutter
Moves water off the roof and away from the home foundation. It’s important your gutters hang at the proper angle and don’t have cracks or leaks as they’re susceptible to water buildup and ice damming.
Flashing
The metal or rubber material around roofing vents, pipes and chimneys is a prime spot for water leaks.
Shingles
Watch for discolored, curling or missing shingles. It can mean you need a new roof.
What is a soffit?
“The word soffit is derived from the French word for “formed as a ceiling” and the Latin term for “to fix underneath.” It is the exposed surface beneath the overhanging section of a roof eave. It can also refer to the horizontal underside of similar architectural structures such as an archway, a staircase or a ceiling. Part of the function of the soffit is to assist in ventilating the attic. The soffit typically features a plain design with small holes that provide air circulation. The air from the soffit cycles to the vents to draw heat and moisture away from the house. This is a highly important function because moisture in the attic can develop rot in the sheathing and rafters. Most soffits are made from vinyl, an effective material for withstanding the degradation that comes from heat and moisture exposure. This is especially important considering that the soffit can be easily exposed to moisture due to unkempt gutters and wet weather conditions,” reports Angie’s List.
HGTV explains that “an exterior soffit is located on the span beneath the rafter tails, while the fascia is the exposed horizontal band you see at the end of the rafters. These architectural elements found along the eave area do more than just add visual interest and give a finished look to your home. They help protect the exterior of your house by keeping out pests like bats, birds and squirrels, and give you a way to disguise ventilation for your attic”.
Living in Florida with high winds that causes rain to swirl up under the eaves, your soffit keeps water from blowing into your house. It needs to be well maintained since it’s a place for water to collect. Each time you clean and inspect your gutters, that’s the time to inspect your fascia and soffit for peeling paint and other problems. Keep everything well-painted, sealed and caulked.
“While soffits and fascia are traditionally constructed from materials like aluminum and wood, many homeowners are now choosing ones made from synthetic and composite materials like UPVC and vinyl because they offer easy maintenance and durability. Vinyl soffits (some are beaded or smooth, while others offer the look of wood grain) and vinyl fascia and trim products come in different styles to complement the architecture and look of your home. There are also products available made from recycled materials, for those who want an eco-friendly alternative. Making sure your soffit and fascia are installed correctly and properly waterproofed is the best way to prevent problems down the road. Damaged flashing or gutters that don’t function properly can also create issues,” reports HGTV.
If you notice damage to your roof soffit, No. 1 Home Roofing is ready to help repair your roof?
No. 1 Home Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company conveniently located on US Highway 19 in Palm Harbor, Florida. We are dedicated to providing top quality workmanship and materials to ensure that your new roof is done right. We specialize in shingle, tile, and flat roof installation, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us for an appointment and/or estimate at 727-781-7663.