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The Ins and Outs of Soffits on Twin Cities Homes

Most homeowners we talk to here in the Twin Cities area can readily identify the major elements of a home’s exterior. Everyone knows what roofs, gutters, siding, windows, and doors are.  But when we ask about soffits, that’s another matter.  Perhaps you’ve heard the term but can’t identify what it is.  (This is not to be confused with interior soffits, which are a totally different thing.)  Do you have an idea of what they look like?  The outside of your home most likely has them. Do you know what function they serve?

About Soffits on Home Exteriors

Where Are the Soffits?  Right below the fascia and the gutters on the roof is where the soffits are located. (Okay, you may not know what fascia is either, but that’s for a future post.)  Not every home has these, and yours may not. Only those homes with a roof that overhangs will have them. You just have to step outside to look at your home’s exterior and see if you have soffits.

Why Are Soffits Needed?  First and foremost, soffits provide a finishing structure and protective cover over the empty space under the roof where it overhangs the outside walls.

Soffits provide a number of important functions, including support for vents. Homes need ventilation, and vents in the soffits let in outside air so that it can flow under the roof and into the attic space.. Any moisture and warm air that might be trapped in there comes out of these soffit vents.  Without this venting, moist air can cause mold and other issues, including ice dams in winter.  Vents in the soffits keep the home healthy. They help the airflow from the inside of the home to get to the outside, to remove moisture and keep the home ventilated and healthy.

Also, some homes may have exterior lighting mounted in the soffits.

What Happens If Soffits Are Damaged?

What if you have a damaged soffit on your home? What if they are not working like they should? When the vents are blocked or your soffits are cracked or warped, replacement is in order.  That’s especially true if the damage was due to ice dams. You want to keep the flow of air open and working inside the home and at the top of the roof.  Another consideration is that any damaged item on the exterior of your home will only continue to deteriorate and lead to further problems.  It also detracts from the appearance of your home.

Speak with us if you need help repairing or replacing your soffits.  They are a very important part of your home’s exterior protection, and they should be ready to handle the inside moisture and built-up warm air.  Spring is the perfect time to get it done.

Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota residential building contractor.  We specialize in energy-efficient exterior home improvements, and we install soffits and other exterior trim. 

 

 

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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.

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