Your roof is composed of many parts. To extend its service life, make sure all of its parts are in top shape. Many property owners often focus too much on the exterior layer of the roof (which is typically composed of shingles, wood shakes, metal, and tiles) that they forget the other elements.
Whether you have residential or commercial roofing in Seattle, knowing its parts can help you maintain it better.
Here are some parts worth knowing about:
Soffit
The soffit is the section just beneath the eave. It keeps critters out of your attic and plays a role in your attic ventilation. As it often comes with vents, it also helps improves air circulation in the attic. The soffit directs moisture and heat away from your house, which aids in reducing the chance of your rafters and sheathing rotting. The soffit is prone to moisture damage, as water may seep through torn shingles and reach it. Furthermore, when an ice dam melts, water may reach the soffit.
Fascia
The fascia is the vertical edge fixed to the ends of the trusses and rafters. Similar to the soffit, the fascia prevents small animals, such as squirrels and bats, from entering and nesting in the attic. As the gutter is fixed to the fascia, this part is also prone to water damage. Always check the soffit and fascia for soft spots, which may mean rotting sections.
Gutter
Gutters drain water away from the roof and your walls. Common problems you may experience are clogged gutters, sagging gutters, and gutters with downspouts that drain very near the foundation. When gutters are blocked, water may not drain properly, which may lead to an overflow. If your gutters are filled with water and debris, they may not be able to hold the added weight, leading to gutters that sag or pull away from your house.
When you know the functions of each part of your roof and common problems you may encounter, you’ll be able to create an effective maintenance plan and avoid costly repairs and replacements.
For more information on residential and commercial roofing, consult our experts at KLIM Roofing & Construction. We provide routine maintenance and reroofing services. If you need to replace your roof, you can choose from many options, including PVC roofing in Seattle WA. Call us at (425) 485-5546 or fill out our contact form today.
