Soffits, fascia, and flashing – oh my! You might be asking, what are these, and why should I know about them? Well, the roof of your home in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, or Port Orchard is made up of many different components – not just shingles and tar paper.
Here, we discuss soffits, fascia, and flashing. Their jobs are interesting and important to the health of your roof.
Flashing
Flashing is a piece of metal used to prevent water from seeping into areas of the roof where there is an interruption with the roofing materials, like chimneys, vent pipes, or perimeter of the roof. Flashing prevents leaks and protects the deck (the first layer of roofing) and underlayment, which is usually tar paper.
Fascia
Fascia is a flat board or band located on the front of your roof’s overhang. It is connected to the trusses or rafters of your home. The fascia is important because it is the last line of support for the lower edge of roof shingles. It’s also where your gutters are installed, so the fascia needs to be in good shape in order to hold the weight of your gutters when they are empty, or if they get full during a storm.
If you need a new fascia, we recommend you consider vinyl as it is water-resistant and durable, thus requiring less maintenance.
Soffit
Sitting right under the fascia, your soffits are the underside of the roof and is made of aluminum or vinyl. It covers your roof’s overhang that is created by the fascia and creates an aesthetically pleasing connection from your roof to your home.
Your soffit prevents mold and mildew from developing on the underside of your roof. The design promotes air ventilation into the attic and allows the vents to draw moisture and heat away from your home.
Soffits also work to keep pests out of your home. With just an exterior vent, birds or other pests can more easily access your attic.
So, what do all three of these have in common? They keep moisture away from your home. A roof that leaks is every homeowner’s worst nightmare, so we want you to better understand these components, and how important they are to the overall health of your roof.
Understanding your roof’s components is a lot of work but being informed is the best way to ensure you can keep your roof in good shape for many years to come. But if you have any questions or concerns be sure to contact us today!