Your home's eaves, soffits, and fascia are susceptible to rot. While each of these is slightly different, they all work together to protect your home against the natural elements and boost its curb appeal. However, their purpose can sometimes leave them exposed to too much water, causing them to rot. If you notice your roof edge trim, also known as the soffits and fascia, rotting, you'll want to take quick action to prevent further issues.
Eaves, Soffits, and Fascia Differences
While similar, the eaves, soffits, and fascia make up different parts of the roof. Eaves are the parts of the roof that extend beyond the walls of your home siding. They guide rainwater away from your home, protecting the siding and foundation from water damage and providing shade to the sides of the home. Roof eaves also play a big part in your home's aesthetic.
The roof edge trim is made up of soffits and fascia. Soffits are boards that sit below the eaves and cover their insides; they connect the roof's exterior with the sides of the house. By covering the inside of the eaves and thus protecting the rafters, they help reduce the risk of water damage and keep pests from nesting there. Vents are typically installed on the soffits to help improve the airflow from the attic and roof.
Fascia boards are located at your roof's edge along the eaves, connecting with the soffits underneath them. Similarly to soffits, they protect the roof edges against the elements by acting as a barrier. They also contribute to curb appeal. Gutters are commonly attached to the fascia boards, so this can help you differentiate each part when you're looking at the structure.
Why These Roof Materials Rot
Your roof works by directing rainwater to fall off the eaves and flow through the gutters into downspouts. However, that's not always the case. Sometimes, water makes its way beneath the eaves into your soffits and fascia. This is particularly likely if you have clogged gutters or downspouts.
When these features can't do their jobs correctly, excess water soaks the fascia and soffit, causing rot and discoloration. Homes usually have a roof drip edge installed on the eaves and rakes to prevent this from happening. If you already have a drip edge installed and your soffits, eaves, or fascia are still rotting, it might mean your drip edge is damaged and needs to be replaced.
What to Do When Your Soffits or Fascia Rot
As soon as you notice any rotting on your soffits or fascia, you'll want to replace them immediately. The rot can worsen over time as it encounters more moisture, potentially leading to mold and mildew growth. Untreated rot can also lead to structural damage if the water spreads to the rafters below the eaves. In the worst situations, excessive moisture can even reach the drywall and insulation inside your home.
You'll likely need to decide whether to replace the roof trim or the entire roof. Your decision depends on whether the rot has only damaged the roof edge trim or has affected other roofing materials too, such as the shingles.
If your roof has already reached its expected lifespan, it may be more cost-efficient to replace everything at one time. This will also allow you to create a cohesive and consistent roof aesthetic.
Instead of trying to determine the extent of the damage on your own, leave it up to a professional who knows exactly what to look for. Call a GAF-certified roofing contractor* to inspect your roof. They can assess your roof's condition and determine what needs to be replaced.
*Los contratistas inscritos en los programas de certificación de GAF no son empleados ni agentes de GAF, y GAF no controla ni supervisa de otro modo estas empresas independientes. Los contratistas pueden recibir beneficios, como puntos y descuentos de recompensa por lealtad en herramientas de comercialización de GAF por participar en el programa y ofrecer a GAF garantías mejoradas, que requieren el uso de una cantidad mínima de productos de GAF. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.
