Keeping your soffits and fascia in good condition is crucial to the maintenance of your property. In our article, we’re going to look at six signs your fascia and soffits need replacing and what you can do about it.
What are fascias and soffits?
A fascia board is laid horizontally against your property, running along the roof edge, just beneath the eaves to support the overhanging roof edge while also serving as an anchor point for your gutters. Soffits are fitted between the fascia board and the wall of the property to seal off the underside of the eaves. The soffits purpose is to prevent access to your attic space from unwanted visitors, such as vermin and birds.
Do my fascia and soffits need replacing?
If well maintained, your fascia and soffits should last for decades. However, exposure to the elements 24 hours a day can cause them to deteriorate. While light damage might not be considered a big deal, if left unchecked can result in major problems going forward. Below we cover a few tell-tale signs that your roofline needs replacing.
Cracks
If you see a noticeable crack in your fascia or soffits, you should have it inspected immediately. A weakness in the roofline is a serious matter, as it supports the guttering and eaves of your roof. If you can spot the crack from ground level, there’s a good chance it is significant and requires immediate replacement.
Flaking paint
While less drastic than a crack, peeling paint can mean that your roofline is no longer waterproof. If caught early enough, you might be able to get away with stripping away the old paint and applying a new layer. Though the longer it is left, the more likely it is that the underlying fascia and soffits will have suffered water damage.
Leaks
Speaking of water damage, cracks and flaking paint on your fascia or soffit can lead to water seeping through and into your roof cavity. If you don’t notice this immediately, it can result in serious damage to your property – including mould, rot and penetrating damp. Any of these can severely affect the structural integrity of your home, which is why you should check your roofline for leaks on a regular basis.
High internal humidity or damp
Soffits are fitted with vents to help keep the air flowing within your property’s roof cavity. Should those vents become blocked or damaged, fresh air can no longer enter your home, and you may find the interior becoming more humid. Evidence of this can include increasing condensation, as well as damp patches in upper floors of the house where it has penetrated the ceiling.
Suspected asbestos
Asbestos has not been used as a construction material in the UK since 1999. However, many properties are much older than this. If you have reason to believe that your fascia board or soffits are made out of asbestos, it is essential you have them analysed and removed by trained experts before being replaced.
Holes in the roofline and sounds in the attic
If you see small holes in your soffits or fascia board, it is worth inspecting them as they might be evidence of pests. If you have wooden fascias, it’s not uncommon for rodents and other vermin to gnaw their way through and nest in your roof cavity. Likewise, nesting insects like wasps and bees need only the tiniest gap to access your home. As well as holes in the roofline, other evidence of pests include buzzing and scratching noises in your loft or attic.
Signs your fascias and soffits need replacing: final thoughts
We hope our 6 Signs Your Fascia and Soffits Need Replacing guide has provided you with some clarity over any issues you may have.
If you’re concerned about your fascia and soffits and want advice and assistance for replacing them, Rooftop Systems Ltd can help. We repair and replace roofline components across Stoke-on-Trent and beyond. Call us on 01782 938282 for your free, no-obligation quote.