As soon as you hear the word “soffit”, the first thought on your mind would probably be the component that’s part of your roofing system. But not a lot of people realize that the word itself isn’t American in origin, but derived from two older words from different languages: the French “soffite” and Italian “soffitto”. They in turn come from the old Latin “suffixus”, which means to insert below.
There’s actually more to a soffit than what you might assume as just another roofing component. Our asphalt shingle roofing experts at ImproveIT! of Atlanta share their insight:
How Soffits Work in Your Roofing System
Soffit is a specific part of a roofing system that serves as a passive ventilation unit for your attic. This helps keep your home’s interiors safe and dry from the natural elements. Along with fascia, they’re usually made from materials like wood and aluminum, but synthetic and composite options are also available. The latter options are actually more popular to homeowners due to their durability and ease of maintenance.
Maintaining Your Roof Soffit
During a roofing inspection, your hired roof repair contractor will check the condition of your soffit. If there are mold and mildew, it can be cleaned off with a soft brush and a cleaning solution made from bleach and water. But if there are signs of deterioration, it will have to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid the damage from spreading to other parts of your roof.
Only a well-maintained soffit can prevent pests from slipping into your home through the roofline or gutters and nesting in your attic. Having small animals getting into your roof is very risky, as they can damage your electrical systems as well as compromise your indoor air quality.
When it comes to excellent roofing, make sure you call only the best residential roofing contractor in the area. Call ImproveIT! of Atlanta today at (770) 525-8836 or contact us through our convenient online form. We serve Roswell, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, and neighboring GA areas.
