When people talk about roofing maintenance, some simply refer to its surface, such as the shingles, tiles, and wood shakes. To care for your residential roofing in Salisbury MD, you should also think about its other components, including the fascia, soffit, and gutters.
Understanding the functions of the different parts of your roof system can help you create an effective maintenance plan. Furthermore, it will be easier to get to the root of the problem if you know how each part is connected to each other.
At Spicer Bros. Construction, we want to help you maintain your roof. Here are some reasons you should care for the other parts of your roof:
Gutter
Your gutter protects your home from water damage. It directs water running off the roof away from your walls and foundation. Common problems you may have to deal with are holes, clogged gutters, and sagging gutters.
If leaves and other debris accumulate in the gutter, water may not drain properly, causing an overflow. In addition, the added weight of the debris and water may cause the gutter to sag and fall from the fascia.
Flashing
Flashing is a piece of metal that directs water away from different sections of your roof, such as the valley and hip. It is often made of stainless steel, copper, or galvanized alloy. You’ll also find flashing around vents, pipes, skylights, and other protrusions.
When not maintained regularly, water may get though the flashing and cause damage on various parts of your roof. Basic flashing maintenance involves inspecting for and securing loose screws, patching up small holes, and repairing leaking flashing seals.
Fascia
Fascia is the vertical board at the edge of the roof that is connected to the trusses or rafters. As it can be damaged by moisture easily, making sure it is always in good condition helps you avoid headaches and costly repairs.
If the fascia is rotten, water may get through it and damage your roof, attic, and ceiling. Holes in your fascia may also encourage small animals, such as bats, birds, and squirrels to live in your attic.
Soffit
Soffit is the board underneath the overhanging portion of the roof eave. It plays a role in attic ventilation, as it directs moisture and heat away from the your house. When it’s not in good condition, moisture may get through the attic, causing the rafters and sheathing to rot. Similar to a rotten fascia, a rotten and cracked soffit may attract small animals to your attic.
Proper roof maintenance ensures that your home will be protected from the elements – and even critters. Don’t just focus on surface of your roof. Make sure your gutter, fascia, flashing, and soffit are in great shape, too.
For more information on roof systems and maintenance, consult our roofing contractors in Salisbury MD. Established in 2002, we’re a licensed roofing company that offers services in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Apart from roofing, we also offer addition services, and repair and replacement for doors, siding, and windows.
