Soffit and fascia are the outside edge of your roof and walls. Fascia covers the edge of the roof from the elements and soffit covers the underside of the roofs edge from insects and animals, as well as allowing ventilation for your attic.
One of the most common problems with aluminum soffit is it is easily damaged. I have repaired countless soffits from footballs, basketballs, and baseballs. It is easily bent and pushed up into the attic and underside if the roofs overhang. You can easily fix this. Pull the damaged piece carefully from the soffit without damaging the other panels of soffit. You may be able to bend the aluminum soffit back into its original shape, but if you can’t, you will need to buy matching soffit. Get as close to a matching color as possible, but if you cannot, you may need to buy matching paint. Take off the aluminum fascia carefully by using a nail punch to drive the aluminum nails trough the fascia. Remove the fascia carefully and set it aside. Cut the soffit to length with a pair of tin snips and gently slide the soffit into the tongue and groove. Don’t worry about nailing it. Reattach the fascia then nail it into place with aluminum nails. Don’t reuse the same holes, fill those with matching caulk. Make sure you place a nail into the fascia in the same spot you put in the new soffit. This way, you will have secured the soffit to the fascia.
Another big problem is mold or mildew on aluminum or vinyl soffit. White soffit has a tendency to show any blemish, so it does need maintenance at least once a year. Use a car wash broom and a bucket of bleach water. Gently scrub the surface with the broom. Don’t use too much bleach! It could stain your soffit and fascia, so start first in an in spot that’s inconspicuous. Rinse the soffit and fascia off with a hose. Try not to get to much water underneath you soffit. You don’t want water in your attic! Never use a pressure washer! The pressure could blow water inside your house or knock loose soffit.
Repainting soffit is a last resort but you can do it if it’s anything but vinyl. Vinyl can’t be painted, but it can be replaced or cleaned. If you’re repainting wood, use an exterior paint with mold resistant chemicals. If its aluminum, use a metal paint. A small roller will make quick work of soffit, and a medium cut in brush works well for fascia. Don’t use a spray gun! You’ll get more paint on the roof and walls than you can imagine.
Soffit and fascia repair and maintenance are easy to do if you remember to be gentle! Soffit is especially susceptible to damage from rough handling. Scrub it gently and don’t overuse chemicals. Never use a pressure washer or a paint spray rig.
