Despite the fact that your clients may be unfamiliar with ‘soffits’ and ‘fascia’ roofing components, they are vital to any sloping roofing system.
As a roofing contractor, you’ll need to understand what causes soffit and fascia damage to avoid long-term problems for your client.
Read on to understand the effects of damage, the causes, and how you can opt for a durable solution…
Understanding Soffits And Fascia
To further understand what causes soffit and fascia deterioration, we need to look at each component individually and the functions they perform in your client’s buildings.
Description On Soffits
The soffit joins the roof overhang and the siding, acting as a skin to protect the interior roofing structure from moisture and to cover the eaves.
One of its main responsibilities is to ensure appropriate attic ventilation. Small gaps in the soffit encourage air circulation, which helps to take heat and moisture away.
Description On Fascia
The fascia, on the other hand, is a horizontal band or strip of material that covers the exposed ends of the roof rafters or trusses.
The fascia provides a variety of services in addition to improving the aesthetics of the roofing system.
It keeps the gutters in place by securing them to the roof, preventing water from reaching the roof deck and into buildings, and keeping insects, birds, and other wildlife out.
The Effects of Soffit and Fascia Damage
Wood soffit and fascia are susceptible to moisture damage. Wet or dry rot, cracking, or warping can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to the elements. Physical damage or temperature variations can cause cracks or gaps in low-quality vinyl soffit and fascia.
In addition to compromising aesthetics, damaged soffit and fascia can hold moisture, allowing mould and mildew to thrive.
Mould And Dampness
Mould is a costly problem to resolve because it is nearly impossible to eradicate without the assistance of a remedial firm.
Damp and mould have major health consequences for humans, particularly the respiratory and immunological systems, emphasising the need of having a secure roof.
Moisture
Fascia damage also allows moisture into a building, which can lead to extensive roof repairs if not addressed.
A thoroughly sealed roof system is also important for keeping a building warm, as gaps in the fascia structure allow heat to escape, driving up energy expenditures.
What Causes Soffit Damage?
The majority of roof problems are caused by soffit damage, emphasising the significance of a well-designed sealed roof protection system.
Moisture is produced on a regular basis in buildings, and if it is not allowed to leave, it settles and condenses within a building, causing a variety of costly damp problems. Other factors that contribute to soffit damage include:
- Flaws in the structure, such as missing shingles or badly fitted flashing
- Gutters that have been improperly placed, are broken or are clogged
- Water being pushed inwards.
- Animals such as birds and squirrels attempting to nest in the eaves.
What Causes Fascia Damage?
Rot and humidity can swiftly spread across the rooftop, posing a serious threat to the structure. Blocked gutters and excessive water spillage can cause fascia damage at a faster pace than soffits.
Gutter fasteners will no longer be held in place by worn-out fascia boards, causing the gutter system to break free and finally separate from the roof.
Keep an eye on the fascia for possible bird and rodent infestations, as this can cause breaches in the structure, allowing dampness to enter the roof.
If the fascia structure is not completely sealed, it should be removed, inspected, and maybe replaced.
How Aluminium Soffits And Fascia Can Overcome This
Aluminium soffits and fascia can provide long-term protection and comfort – aluminium has long been renowned for its ability to withstand harsh weather, so there’s little doubt about how long they’ll last.
The Benefits Of Aluminium Soffits
Soffits made of aluminium, which come in vented forms, are also utilised to ventilate a structure. They help air to circulate throughout the house while limiting the amount of moisture that can get in, reducing damp problems. This extends the life of the roof and reduces the need for roof care.
HJA Fabrications offers three common systems, but others can be tailored to meet your unique needs. Ventilation openings can be added to the soffit systems if necessary.
Soffit systems made of aluminium with polyester powder coating (PPC) come in a choice of BS and RAL colours. The normal turnaround time after production drawings are authorised is 2–3 weeks.
The Benefits Of Aluminium Fascia
While wood is the less expensive alternative, keep in mind that it will need to be repainted and will deteriorate with time, regardless of how well you care for it. Although aluminium is initially more expensive, it will endure longer and require less care over time.
Aluminium fascia is low-maintenance, lightweight, and of excellent quality.
Conclusion
When updating any part of a building’s roof, it’s critical to get professional help. You might wish to make repairs to your client’s roofline or perhaps install a new roof.
Aluminium soffits and fascia will enhance the looks of your client’s building while also providing a long-term solution.
For more information on our aluminium soffits or any of our other products, get in touch.
