Home siding and soffits go hand in hand. They work together to safeguard your home in many ways beginning with its structure. They also complement each other to enhance the exterior look of your home. Just like siding, the soffit needs to be on your home maintenance checklist.
A Michigan home is faced with some harsh weather elements, so you want to make sure your siding and soffit are in good shape.
The following are some tips on how to address common issues with your soffit and siding.
Why Is the Soffit Vented?
The purpose of venting soffits is to distribute airflow evenly throughout the roof space to ensure the roof remains dry and free from mold. Soffits are typically left unvented if you have a cathedral ceiling, but if you have any other type of roof with soffits, it’s important to ensure that they’re vented. This ensures that there is an even flow of air throughout the roof space and prevents moisture from collecting on the underside of your roofing materials.
Soffits ensure that water doesn’t drain away from rainwater gutters—they’re there to collect runoff from the roof and make it manageable so that it can run out safely.
What Are Some Common Soffit Issues?
Like siding, soffit issues are common in older homes, as they are usually made of wood and can be prone to damage, rot, and decay. Here are some issues you should look out for:
- Rotting- Rotting is caused by water getting into the wood, which then rots and breaks down the structure of the wood. This can lead to a collapse of the soffit.
- Cracks- Cracks in your soffit could mean that it has been damaged and weakened by water or other elements. This can lead to further deterioration of the structure over time.
- Dirtiness- Dirtiness on your soffit may be a sign that there is moisture trapped inside it or that it has been exposed to too much sunlight over time, which can both cause issues with mold growth as well as structural damage where water gets trapped inside cracks or holes in the wood structure itself.
- Insects- If you notice pests such as bats or squirrels living in your soffit, this means that there is an issue with insulation or ventilation in that area of your home.
- Water damage- If water is leaking into your soffit, it’s probably because of bad flashing or sealant. You’ll need to replace these materials to fix the leak.
- Moisture stains- If you notice mildew or other stains on your soffit, it’s likely due to poor ventilation or improper ventilation. Fixing this problem may require installing a ridge vent and gable vents, as well as adding insulation to the attic floor.
How To Avoid Soffit Issues
The first step in avoiding soffit issues is to make sure your roof is in good condition. You can do this by checking for missing shingles, damaged or cracked wood, or any other signs that could indicate a problem with the structure of your home. You should also check for leaks and make sure that there are no holes or cracks in your gutters.
Next you should consult a home improvement contractor with any concerns that you feel are out of your control. They can address issues promptly and help you make the right decisions about the exterior of your home.
Keeping the Value of Your Home
Proper care of your home’s exterior begins with an inspection and Excel Home Improvement in Romulus is the contractor to call. We treat all aspects of a home’s exterior with thoroughness and quality making sure each job is done right. Our residential roofing services as well as our siding installation and gutter installation are known to exceed expectations.
If you want a safe and sound home from the outside in, make sure your roof, siding and gutters are functioning and serving their purpose. Call us for a Free Estimate on our home improvement services.