The soffit and fascia are not the focal points of any roofing project unless you need to fix something that specifically affects them. Any expert roofing contractor will be quick to point out just how important they are to the roof’s continual function and efficiency. However, what exactly makes these two roofing components great?
What Are They?
First, a quick review. The fascia is a board that runs along the edges of your roof, covering the rafters of the roof structure. These can also be used in commercial roofing as the outer surface of a building’s cornice. The soffit, on the other hand, is the board running underneath the eaves of your roof. It usually connects the fascia to the wall of your home.
Attic Security
The first role of the soffit and fascia is attic security. Your attic is directly underneath the roof structure and leaving the attic exposed means critters can easily enter the attic. This can be a problem since the attic is hardly used or cleaned. It can be easy for insects and other pests to start nesting there. The soffit effectively seals the entryway into the attic. This is why residential roof installation services include these features upon installation.
Ventilation
The secondary function of the soffit and fascia are for ventilation. One of the problems encountered by roofs is the build-up of moisture due to the shift from hot and cold temperatures. Hotter temperatures cause water vapor within the home to rise up, inevitably ending up in the rafter area of the roof. Since there is normally no way out of that portion of the roof, the water vapor gets stuck there. When the day cools down, condensation happens, which leads to moisture building up in an area of your home that can suffer greatly from increased moisture.
This is why your roofer places vents around the fascia of the roof. This ventilation system gives water vapor a way to escape the confines of the rafters. In this manner, moisture accumulation is averted. The systems used by roofers in commercial roofing repair are more advanced than the systems used in residential roofing, but the process remains fundamentally the same.
In understanding soffit and fascia, it’s essential to also be aware of drip edges. Drip edges play a crucial role in protecting your roof and directing water away from the fascia and soffit, preventing water damage and enhancing the longevity of your roof. For more detailed information on drip edges and their importance in your roofing system, check out this informative article here.
