Soffit Repair & Replacement Services

Nashville Soffit Services

Soffits are an important part of your roofing system, but they're often overlooked. Many homeowners don't even know what they are! Soffits are the panels that run along the underside of your roof eaves that connect the far edge of the roof to the exterior wall of the house.  They help to keep the rain and snow out, and they also play an important role in ventilation, which helps to keep your home cooler in summer and prevents moisture damage.  Without soffits, the eaves would be open and expose the rafters to not only weather elements but pests and insects as well. The rafters would be prone to moisture damage and rot, which could cause major problems with their structural integrity. 

Soffits are made from different materials including wood, uPVC, aluminum, or fiber cement. The aluminum and uPVC options are the most popular because they are durable and affordable.  Wood soffits can be a beautiful addition to your home but require more maintenance than the other options.

Why is Soffit Maintenance Important?

Your soffits play an important role in protecting your home from water damage and pests.  It’s important to keep them in good condition so they can continue to do their job. The newer soffits, when properly installed, require little maintenance.  The older wooden or aluminum soffits, however, require cleaning and upkeep. Because they are exposed to water and other weather elements, they can begin to look dingy, peel, chip, or even rot.  Regular cleaning, sanding, and painting are necessary to stand up to the elements.

Improper Water Drainage:  The soffits can rot when water isn't draining properly.  Some of the causes of this are clogged gutters, incorrect drip edge installation, insufficient gutter slope, or poor roof pitch. The best way to prevent any drainage problems is to have your roof inspected regularly by a reliable roofing contractor.

Blocked Downspouts: When a downspout is clogged with debris, water will back up into the gutters and eventually overflow, exposing the soffit to moisture.  This can eventually lead to cracks, rotting, and other damage.  The best way to prevent this from happening is to have your downspouts and gutters cleaned regularly.

Pests and Insects: Animals and insects such as bees, wasps, squirrels, birds, and mice like to call soffits their homes because they are able to tuck themselves away from the harsh weather elements.  Traveling back and forth across the soffit panels can damage them.