There are few parts of your home more critical to maintain and take care of than your roof. Whether that means cleaning your gutters or replacing your shingles, Samra is here for you. One aspect of roofing that often gets overlooked is your soffits. For those that are unaware, soffits are the finishing material installed underneath your eaves, rafters, or overhangs on your roof. Yes, well-maintained soffits provide aesthetic appeal but they are so much more than that. Soffits help protect your roof from the elements as well, especially in Vancouver’s variable climate.
When it comes to soffits installation and soffits replacement give the experts at Samra a call. If you are still unsure of the importance of soffit installation, soffit maintenance, and soffit replacement continue reading to learn more.
Understanding Soffits
Again, soffits are the protective underside of your eaves and overhangs on your roof. Typically, soffits are made of wood, vinyl, aluminum, or fibre cement and offer many functional benefits to your home. For one, attics capture and trap heat both from direct solar radiation and from heat rising from the inside. In the absence of proper airflow, the roof above your attic will become superheated causing shingles to break down, ice dams to build up (in winter), and energy bills to climb. Soffits, however, provide proper ventilation and air movement which helps eliminate these problems. Soffits also prevent mould and mildew from growing in your attack and on your roof by keeping moisture out – a necessary job in the temperate rainforest environment of the Pacific Northwest.
Signs of Soffit Deterioration
While soffits may be located underneath your roof, it is not that difficult to identify signs of their deterioration. Visible damage such as cracks, holes, rot, peeling paint, and water stains on your soffits is a surefire sign that you need to pursue soffits replacement. Further, soffits are a common entry point for household pests. If you identify evidence of animal or insect infestation, be sure to check your soffits to see if it is time to have them replaced.
Factors Contributing to Soffit Wear in Vancouver
As beautiful as Vancouver is, it is also the perfect climate for wear and tear on your home. The high moisture and frequent rain in the Pacific Northwest contribute to soffit wear, as this promotes mould and mildew growth. Additionally, the Pacific Northwest seasonal temperature fluctuations can wreak havoc on roofs and – by way of that – all of their components.
Benefits of Replacing Soffits
It should come as no surprise that soffit installation and replacement can be highly beneficial for your home. New soffits will improve the ventilation in your attic and through your roof, enhancing its energy efficiency while doing so. Further, new soffits will also provide better protection against pests and moisture improving the structure and integrity of your roof and home as a whole.
Material Options for Soffits
Homeowners have a variety of choices when it comes to picking the right soffit material for their property. Wood, vinyl, and fibre cement are all popular options, and each comes with its own set of benefits and setbacks. Wood is cheap as a material, but often requires frequent maintenance in the form of painting, scraping, or replacing rotten or warped sections.
Similarly, vinyl can also warp in hot weather and requires routine maintenance to maximize its functionality. Fibre cement installation can be a bit more expensive but requires less routine maintenance. Fibre cement can be designed in a variety or ways to match your existing roof and siding without much hassle. In general, we recommend speaking to a professional when deciding which soffit material is right for you.
When to Inspect Your Soffits
It’s never a bad idea to casually check your soffits on a regular basis by simply craning your head upwards. Regular and more thorough inspections, however, should occur at least bi-annually – ideally before and after the winter season. Further, it is good practice to check your soffits after major weather events.
The Replacement Process
Replacing soffits is not that complicated, but it is a rather involved process. Depending on your home and its structure, you will generally have to remove shingle mould, fascia, and old soffits. Depending on the damage, you may also need to remove and replace rotten rafters. Once replaced, you can then follow the full process in reverse – preparing new soffits, installing them, and then replacing moulding and fascia. Depending on the size of your home, this process can take from a few days to a few weeks to complete.
Choosing a Contractor
When selecting a roofing contractor to handle your soffit installation or replacement needs, it is important to find someone who has ample experience in your region and is intimately familiar with the particular issues posed by the weather and climate in your area. Further, they of course need to be licensed and demonstrate a wealth of knowledge and expertise in both soffit replacement and local building codes.
Soffits are easy to overlook and forget about, but they are a critical component to maintaining the integrity and functionality of your roof. To safeguard your home’s longevity and value, give soffits the attention they deserve. If you feel like it is time for a soffit installation, or perhaps you still aren’t quite sure what to look for, give the experts at Samra a call today! We’re always happy to provide an inspection, give suggestions, or book a replacement appointment when you are ready!
