The Role of Soffits in Your Roof System and Their Importance to Your Home

The Importance and Benefits of Well-Maintained Soffit for Your Home

When the topic of conversation turns to roofing, a majority of homeowners could not be faulted if the discussion focused primarily on the type of roofing material (usually asphalt shingles) and the eavestroughs. In all probability, this is likely due to the fact that most people understand the functions of these roofing elements in protecting their home from water penetration and structural damage.

Less understood and perhaps even overlooked within a roofing system is the role of the soffit; this is what covers the underside portions of the eaves that extend from the top of the exterior walls to the outside edges of the roofline.  Yet, just like shingles and gutters, soffit also plays a significant role in safeguarding the integrity of the roof and the home and is therefore warrants due attention.

Fundamentally, soffit performs these distinctly different yet critically important functions:

• Provides air intake to naturally vent the attic and keep roof’s surface cool
  • Helps reduce energy consumption and costs, especially in the summer
  • Also helps extend the lifespan and reliability of shingles/roof materials
• Seals gaps between the rafters/joists to prevent entry by rodents, insects
  • Protects against damage to roof deck/frame and to the attic insulation
  • Shelters the family members from exposure to possible health hazards
• Adds a finished look to the home’s exterior and an element of curb appeal

Soffit is usually constructed from one of the following types of material:

• Vinyl
• Wood
• Aluminum
• Fiberboard

Though wood soffit has been the traditional choice for a majority of home builders in the past, this material needs regular maintenance (either painting or staining) and it is prone to decay and eventual replacement over time.  More recently, vinyl and aluminum soffit installation have grown in popularity, both in new home construction and for upgrades to existing homes; these newer types of soffit material offer several advantages over wood and fiberboard, including:

• Little to no maintenance
• Greater durability/lifespan
• Energy efficiency (cost savings)
• Better airflow and attic ventilation
• Toughness under weather extremes
• Enhanced aesthetics and curb appeal
• Available in a broad selection of colours

Based on the protective function of soffit as well as its possible cost-saving and aesthetic benefits, it will be particularly important for homeowners to regularly inspect and assess its overall condition.  This is true for all types of soffit material but especially so for wood and fiberboard construction.

Experienced and Reliable Soffit Installation, Repair, and Replacement Services

Soffit indeed plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of a roofing system, as well as supporting the adequate ventilation of the attic and enhancing the overall appearance of a home; consequently, proper maintenance will be an important aspect in ensuring its optimal performance and lifespan.

When structural or performance issues are suspected, homeowners should act quickly by contacting a reputable roofing contractor, such as Integrity Roofers, to avert any further damage to the soffit, the attic, and/or the roofing system as a whole.  Integrity Roofers has been providing quality roofing services, including soffit installation, replacement, and repair, to Toronto homeowners for over 20 years, and all such work is completed with an unwavering combination of:

• Quality material
• Quality workmanship
• Keen attention to detail

For more information on soffit-related services provided by the specialists from Integrity Roofers, go to our Soffit, Fascia & Eavestroughs page.

If your soffit needs repair or you would like to install vinyl or aluminum soffit to replace or upgrade your existing material, Call the professionals from Integrity Roofers today at 416-639-0779 or Contact us to request a no-obligation consultation and estimate.