Roof Soffits Are Wet

They cover exposed rafter tails and can serve as part of a house s attic ventilation system.

Roof soffits are wet.

Soffit problems are almost always caused by leaky roofs or leaky gutters that ruin the roof edge. Soffits are the horizontal boards that fit under the eaves of the roof. First fix your roof. If you determine water is leaking through the soffit you must take specific steps to stop the leaks and keep your attic dry.

It mixes with attic air and flows out through roof vents or a ridge vent higher up. The word soffit is derived from the french language and literally means something fixed underneath it s most commonly used around a building s main roof but soffit can also be used under porches under arches or columns under a flight of stairs pretty much anything that has a visible ceiling. Soffited eaves and gable overhangs are susceptible to water damage caused by ice dams improper flashing torn shingles and faulty gutters. And once water has seeped in the rot spreads quickly because the wood stays soggy inside the dark dank space.

Damage is also caused by birds and squirrels nesting inside eaves. The soffit is the surface that sits under a roof s overhang sitting parallel with the ground below. With good venting air flows up through the soffit vent and along the underside of the roof into the attic. You re on the verge of having water come into your home.

The most likely source of trouble is ice buildup on the edges of your roof. You may see water dripping behind the gutters or you may notice that your soffit is wet. Once water seeps through worn shingles or under loose flashings it ll run down rafters or roof boards and puddle on the top side of the soffit boards. Eventually the fascia soffits and even the roof sheathing will rot.

Over time this could cause your home s wooden roof deck to rot and the paint on your fascia and soffit to crack and deteriorate. Athe water dripping from your soffit is a definite warning sign. This cools the attic in the summer and flushes out moisture in the winter. If you have gutters but no gutter apron to stop the water it will wick behind the gutter.