Most people don’t pay attention to the soffits and fascia on their homes, and many don’t even know what they are or what purpose they serve.
Soffits and fascia are an important part of the roof that protects a home.
These little understood parts of your home’s roof can often be the source of expensive repairs, if they continue to be overlooked. Soffits are the undersides of the eaves of the roof and the fascia are found at the edges of the soffits. Even if they are often ignored, it is important that your roof’s regular maintenance includes addressing your soffits and fascia.
You may think these elements are merely decorative trim items that finish off your roof. Yes, that’s partially true. As building trends evolve, often using the fundamental features of the home’s structure as part of the home’s ornamental elements, it is essential to remember that these structures serve a more basic purpose. They are there as both support and protection. Exposing the wood beams that are covered by the soffits and fascia might enhance the home’s curb appeal, but exposed wood needs constant care or it will begin to deteriorate.
It does not take long for exposed wood to crack or rot in Minnesota’s climate. That rot allows for infestations, either in the wood itself or through opening in the damaged wood into the home. Removing pests from your attics or replacing wood that has been damaged from rot or mold growths is often a stressful and expensive experience that could have been avoided through proper maintenance.
Painting and adding caulk or sealant to cracks is the most inexpensive and effective means to protect your soffits and fascia from deterioration, infestations and molds. Vinyl or aluminum is more durable than paint, and such low-maintenance trim items are often used as long-term solutions for protecting soffits and fascia. However, durable is not maintenance free. Even vinyl and aluminum can be damaged and break down if neglected, often hiding the damage that is ongoing underneath.
Even though they are not prominent or widely known, it is in the homeowners’ best interests to learn about soffits and fascia. Understanding their importance to the home’s structure and protection is important in ensuring that the soffits are properly protected and maintained. In this case, even nominal maintenance can prevent painful and expensive repairs.
This year’s storms may have compromised your soffits and fascia. Call us here at Window Outfitters to find out if your soffits and fascia need a little face lift before the winter hit us here in Minneapolis. We offer free estimates.
Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed MN exterior home improvement contractor, and we install low-maintenance soffit and fascia as a part of our siding installation services.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
