Soffit Repair

One of the parts of the roofing system that's always at risk for problems is the soffit. The soffit is the piece of wood that's located on the underside of the eave, the roof's overhanging portion. It protects the inner part of the roof and serves as a protection for the house interior. Due to the position of the soffit, it's always exposed to weather. It's important to have it maintained regularly and be replaced promptly if there are any damages. Removing and replacing a damaged or rotten soffit is a bit challenging, but when the right tools are at hand there shouldn't be any problems. Read along for helpful instructions for repairing your soffit.

Spot the Problem 

Check the affected part. Some parts of the soffit may look okay on the outside, but this can be deceiving.

The knife

Locate the edges of the affected soffit. This may be conjoined to the fascia or another soffit by caulking, so carefully slice through using a utility knife.

Prying it out

A pry bar is most handy when removing the affected soffit. Carefully remove it and if there are any nails sticking out have them taken off. They can replaced later with new nails if need be.

Ocular inspection

if the affected soffit is removed, take a good look at the inside area. Say hello to nests! If you think there are insects – leave it to professionals. Hornets, bees and wasps can sting you like heck which is very risky, especially when you’re on a ladder. Check to see if there are water leaks that have caused the soffit to rot and determine if you need replacements.

Measurements

Get the measurements of the removed part. Having the right dimensions of the soffit piece will make installation easier. You can put primer on before applying paint to make it more resistant to rot.

Replacement

When you have the replacement ready, install it using nails and use caulk to seal the seams to prevent liquid from seeping in. You can apply the primer and the paint at this stage.

Other varieties

another popular kind of soffit are made with vinyl. These could be cracked or deformed from the impact of flying debris. Just replace it with a new piece. It’s actually easier to replace vinyl compared with replacing wooden soffits.

Replacing and repairing soffits isn’t hard at all! You can do it yourself; or if in doubt contact a professional to do it for you.

What other tools/ways do you have for repairing soffits? You can share it among other homeowners at Hallett Gutter Cover’s Facebook page or at their website. See more articles there that will be of great help!