Soffits are a critical component of your roofing system at home.
They are located beneath the edge of your roof and allow air to
flow in and out of the attic. But rotting soffits can create huge
issues. Most Calgary homeowners are aware of their soffit turning
mushy, cracked, or mouldy. So, what causes soffit rot? Let’s
simplify the reasons and discuss how a Calgary roofing company can assist.
Water Overflow from Roofs or Gutters
One of the most frequent reasons for soffit rot is water. If your
gutters are clogged with leaves or damaged, rainwater will
overflow and seep into the soffit. Gradually, this water softens
wood and rots it. If there are missing shingles or a tiny leak on
your roof, water will also trickle down into the soffit space. In
Calgary, where we receive a lot of rain and snow, this may occur
frequently. Keeping your gutters clear and your roof leak-free
will protect your soffits.
Poor Attic Ventilation
Soffits are designed to allow air into your attic to keep it dry.
However, if your attic lacks proper airflow or the soffit vents are
clogged, moisture becomes trapped inside. That moisture then
pools under the roof and rots the soffit from the inside out. This
can create mold, rot, and even compromise your insulation. A
Calgary roofing company can assist with your attic ventilation
and help prevent future rot.
Snow, Ice Dams, and Calgary Winters
During winter, snow on your roof melts and might refreeze at
the eave, creating so-called an ice dam. If this occurs, the water
becomes stuck and potentially backs into your roof or soffit.
Such water becomes trapped and freezes, melts, and then re-freezes,
resulting in rotting and leaks. Calgary receives a great amount of
snow and cold weather, so ice dams are quite prevalent in this area.
Proper insulation and roof care can ensure that they are avoided.
Pests and Animals
At times, small creatures such as birds or squirrels find their way
into the weak points of your soffit. They chew through holes or
attempt to build nests if the wood is soft to begin with. When
there’s already a hole, water and insects find their way inside,
leading to even greater damage. If you notice birds around your
roof or strange noises within your attic, inspect your soffits. A roofer
will seal any openings and ensure your soffits are pest-free.
Old or Deteriorated Materials
Older houses tend to have soffits constructed of plain wood. Wood
deteriorates with time, particularly in a weather pattern such as
Calgary’s. If your soffit is already older than 20 years, chances
are it is just worn out. Nowadays, there are improved materials
such as vinyl, aluminium, and composite boards that do not rot
and last longer. If your soffits are rotten, it might be time to
switch to a more durable material with help from a
Calgary roofing company.
What to Look For
You don’t have to be a roofer to notice soffit issues. Signs your
soffit might be rotten are paint peeling or cracking beneath the
roof edge, the wood is soft or spongy, there are holes, gaps, or
evidence of critters, mildew or mold odours around
the attic, watermarks on the exterior walls.
If you notice any of these, you should have a local roofer come in.
How to Repair Rotting Soffit
To repair the soffit rot, a roofer will start by removing the rotten
section. Next, they’ll inspect to determine if water or bugs have
damaged anything further on the inside. Then they’ll install a new
soffit board and seal it all up. They may also clean out your
gutters, repair roof leaks, and increase ventilation. An experienced
roofing company in Calgary can do all this quickly and efficiently.
Preventing Soffit Rot in Calgary
A few easy tips to prevent soffit rot from setting in are to clean
your gutters in spring and fall, repair roof leaks and missing
shingles, keep soffit vents clear and open, trim tree branches close
to the roof, check your attic for dampness or heat build-up or
call a roofer for annual roof inspections.
When you take care of these little things, you can prevent major
repairs down the road.
Final Thought
Soffit rot can cause extensive damage if you don’t repair it soon.
In Calgary, where cold, rain, and snow are prevalent, your soffits
need to be resilient. A Calgary roofing contractor can inspect
your roof, replace damaged boards, and prevent issues from
escalating. Don’t wait until you spot mold or a leak act now to
maintain your home dry and safe.
Call to Action
Notice your soffit rotting?
Contact Straight Path Construction, your go-to roofing contractor
in Calgary. We have free assessments and professional repairs to
safeguard your house from top.
