While it is common to refer to the whole object covering your house as the singular item “roof,” the Long Island roofing contractors at Pro Quality Home Improvements, Inc. want to inform you that there are actually multiple parts that make up this single entity. The two parts we’ll be focusing on here are known as the soffit and fascia. The soffit is the metal or wood panel which runs on the underside of the roof’s overhang. Located below that and behind the gutter is the fascia board which boxes in the overhang.
These areas of the roof are both prone to receiving considerable water damage as the age of your roof increases. If the roof drip edge (which makes sure water runs into the gutters) has been damaged or is missing water will run into the fascia, rotting it away over time. As water continues to flow there it will eventually reach the soffit where water damage will continue to ruin both parts of the roof. The water damage is characterized by soft spots along the soffit and fascia, which is where our unwanted visitors come into play.
During the cold winter months multiple animals including birds, squirrels and even raccoons are always in the process of looking for warm places to live. If your soffit and fascia have rotted they become perfect access points for these natural squatters. It goes without saying that animals in your home can ravage your attic, tearing up insulation, leaving you unsanitary ‘presents’ and even having their babies there to further plague you. The best course of action is to prevent the animals from getting in before it even happens.
When you go up to inspect your roof or clean out your gutters take this opportunity to also check the soffit and fascia for any soft spots caused by rotting. The rule of thumb is if you can poke and prod a hole with a tool like a screwdriver, so can an animal. If you find any of these soft spots, then the time to act is now before any creature can claim it as potential living space.
Here at Pro Quality Home Improvements we can repair both the soffit and fascia in any weak, rotted areas that you might find. As soon as you find these areas give us a call because those same animals that want to stay warm in the winter also want to stay cool in the summer and your house is the prime location for both. Don’t hesitate, contact us today for a free quote to make sure you get your soffit and fascia issues dealt with, or your be dealing with unwanted tenants soon.
