A soffit is the underside of your roof’s overhang and it serves several important functions. It can ventilate your attic, draw moisture away from the eaves, and keep rodents or pests from entering your home. It’s also a major factor in the overall drainage of your roof. Without a properly functioning soffit, water may be left to pool in different areas of your roof and cause rot and other structural damage. This article will explain how a soffit and eavestrough work together to help protect your home from moisture damage and other problems.
The eavestrough (or gutters) are installed below the soffit to channel water off your roof and away from your home. It’s important that the eavestrough and soffit are properly installed to avoid water and pests getting into your home, especially in winter when temperatures can drop dramatically. If you’re experiencing leaky or clogged gutters, it’s a good idea to consider replacing them with new ones.
Ideally, your roof is built on a slight slant so that rain and snow can easily drain off. Without a slant, the rain and snow would just collect on your roof and create a heavy load that may be too much for your roof to hold. The eavestrough, along with the soffit and fascia, is designed to direct water and snow off of your roof and into a downspout and then out to a storm drain or other drainage system around your home.
Without a properly working soffit, the eaves of your roof can become a haven for birds, squirrels, and other critters that like to nest in warm and cozy spaces. These creatures can introduce mites, bees, and other insects into your home. In addition, if the birds nest on your roof, they can leave droppings that can stain and discolour your shingles and siding. A soffit helps keep all of these unwelcome guests out, making your roof and entire home much more appealing to friends, family, and potential buyers.
Most modern soffits are made out of uPVC. This material is hard wearing and copes well with the high levels of moisture that a soffit can experience. Older wooden soffits, though popular for a rustic or period look, can rot and lead to other structural damage in your home.
Soffits come in a variety of styles, colours, and finishes that can be used to complement any architectural design. For example, aluminum soffits can be painted in a colour that matches your roof, while vinyl soffits blend well with most siding colours. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, you can even choose a copper soffit and fascia to add a touch of class to your home.