Spring has finally arrived in Minnesota and Wisconsin! Though snow’s in the forecast later this week, we know winter’s last gasp won’t stay for long. But the rapid snowmelt will keep your structure’s gutter system occupied over the next week or so.
While you’re appreciating all the hard work your gutters are doing, Structural Buildings would like to share a few facts about the unsung heroes that help keep your building safe and comfortable all year long: your fascia boards, vents, and eave panels.
Fascia Boards: Your First Line of Defense against Moisture
Your structure’s fascia boards are what your gutters are mounted on. They are the first line of defense against moisture entering your roof. Fascia boards are installed under the roof shingles and create a tidy, weather-resistant border along your property’s roof line.
Most fascia boards are wooden, but it’s becoming increasingly common to fabricate fascia out of sturdier stuff, such as vinyl, aluminum, or metal. These materials decrease the chance for rot and are virtually maintenance-free.
The key to preventing moisture from getting under your fascia board is good gutter maintenance. Clean your gutters out during spring and fall clean-up and after severe storms. While you’re up there, make sure your roof shingles slightly overhang your fascia. If you experienced ice dams this winter, now is a great time to inspect your fascia for damage.
Roof Vents Keep the Air Flowing and Moisture at Bay
Vents are an essential component to any sound roofing system. Venting the roof creates air flow under the roof deck. This keeps the roof cold during the winter, preventing ice dams from forming. Remember, ice dams occur when heat from your structure’s usage areas rises and melts snow off your roof, which pools and freezes along your eve or overhang. In the summer time, venting draws hot air from the attic to the outside, which can reduce the energy needed to cool your building.
Creating air flow is just one part of proper roof venting. The other is insulation. Adequately insulating your attic space from your heated and cooled spaces keeps heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
Eave Panels: The True Unsung Heroes
Eave panels, also known as soffit panels, are the real unsung heroes of your roofing system. If you’re not looking for them, eave panels are difficult to spot. They are the surface under your eave between the fascia and the structure of your building.
Many older structures have open, uninsulated eaves. However, closing the eaves protect the rafters and underside of the roof deck from the elements, moisture, and rot. Ventilated soffit panels are usually made of metal or alluminum. They are vented to allow air flow to reduce moisture while protecting your eaves from direct exposure to rain, snow, and yes, critters.
The quality of the craftsmanship behind your roofing system can greatly extend its life. Put decades of experience to work on your next building project with Structural Buildings. Contact us today to get started.
