Fascia and siding are not the only things that can deteriorate and lead to a leaky roof. You might also need to repair or replace soffits. Soffits, or gutters, are made to carry rainwater away from the house in a downspout or channel. Leaking soffits happens when the soffit becomes damaged by age, soffit repair is necessary to keep the house safe from damage.

What are soffit materials?

Most fascia and soffits manufactured today are made of aluminum, plywood or vinyl. When you clean your gutters regularly you should check your soffits, attic, and eaves troughs for signs of deterioration, deteriorating or worn out asphalt caulking. Look for signs of warping, deterioration or old, loose caulking. If your soffits are leaking you may need to replace some or all of them, and it’s not a good idea to attempt to repair soffits that have become weak from age. An experienced roofing contractor in nearby Moriches, Long Island, can give you an estimate of what it will cost to fix your soffits.

What can cause leaking soffit?

Leaks in the soffits or attic are caused by soffit ventilation problems, condensation, weathering, rotting, wood rot, fungus and mold. Wood rot, wood decay, mildew and mold are all signs of moisture problems soffits or attics should be vented outside and periodically cleaned or replaced. Wood rot can spread quickly and severely damage the soffits and attic beyond repair. Wood rot should be removed by a professional roofing contractor in Moriches, Long Island, before it does irreparable damage to your home.

What do water stains on soffits mean?

If you find soffits with visible water stains, you may have wood rot or some other moisture problem so it is wise to contact a professional roofing contractor in Moriches, Long Island before the situation gets worse. Your soffits should be painted with a waterproof paint that contains an anti-soiling compound so they are protected from future water damage, decay, rot and other environmental concerns. If your soffit is not protected by a vinyl soffit coating, consider a self-adhesive aluminum solution that can protect the soffit and make cleaning a breeze. Self-adhesive aluminum roof soffit coatings are available in different thicknesses to meet your specific soffit protection needs.

Preventing attic and ceiling moisture damage

In addition to a soffit coating, wooden shingles or aluminum flashing can be added at the soffit edge to help prevent moisture from reaching the ceiling and eventually the attic. Storms cause so much damage to homes and businesses that often the damage is not contained to the immediate area of the roof. Wooden shakes and flashing will protect your soffits from water damage so they stay clean and dry.

What is roofing underlayment?

Roofing underlayment gives your roof deck an extra layer of protection. Adding an underlayment between your soffits and your existing roof membrane will help protect the soffits from weathering. An aluminum underlayment is easy to install under the soffits and will help prolong their life. In addition, an underlayment will provide your home or business with additional strength and stability. You can purchase an aluminum underlayment in rolls, sheets or tiles and custom order one to fit your particular roof so it will be the most effective and economical solution. By using an underlayment, you will be able to protect your soffits from damage and weathering so you can enjoy them for many years.