Because your roof deserves the best care
Soffits are the unsung hero of your home. They protect your house from weather and pests and can also add to its beauty.
A variety of roofing and carpentry pros can handle the job of repairing or replacing soffits. The key is to find companies that specialize in soffit work and know what qualities to look for in a pro. Let’s look at how to hire the best soffit specialist for your home.
Hiring a professional with experience repairing soffit and fascia for this project is best. Most roof repair pros in your area will be able to provide this service and help keep your roof in tip-top shape.
If you’re wondering what soffit and fascia are, the soffit is the exposed surface beneath the hanging section of a roof eave. A fascia is the vertical finishing edge where the gutter attaches to the roof. An experienced roofing pro can replace portions that are rotting, water-damaged, or taken over by pests before problems get worse. Your pro will likely start by inspecting your roof and the soffit and fascia and noting what needs repairing or replacing.
You can start by searching online for a soffit repair contractor near you. The types of pros who take on this work include roofers, carpenters, and gutter experts. You can even call a contractor you’ve worked with before—a variety of handy people have soffit repair in their skillset.
Pro tip: Make sure to keep track of these outstanding individuals by making an A-Team Contractors List so that you can hire them again and again and refer them to friends in a pinch.
Repairing soffit and fascia is labor-intensive and requires specialized skills and tools. Not to mention, it’s risky working at heights on a ladder. Professional roofers know the ins and outs of doing these types of repairs, and they do so safely and efficiently so you can focus on more important tasks—like enjoying your weekend.
Pros also know how to spot and address issues like rot, insect damage, and wear and tear. Having a roofer identify these problems early helps prevent more extensive and costly repairs down the road. Professionals can recommend protective measures, like drip edging or gutter systems, to help your soffit and fascia work better and last longer.
Repairing soffit and fascia isn’t an ideal DIY project for the average homeowner because it requires working from a ladder or on the roof, which is inherently dangerous. Plus, most DIYers don’t have the necessary skills and tools for such a task.
That being said, some aspects of soffit and fascia repair are doable. For example, simple tasks like replacing a soffit vent are manageable for handy homeowners. Inspecting and identifying damage is also manageable for most homeowners and can help when you’re ready to book a contractor. You can search for common types of soffit damage, such as excess moisture and rot. As the soffit deteriorates, openings may let water into the home’s interior, causing damage and mold.
However, larger repairs that require specialized knowledge and equipment are best left to professionals.
One of the best things you can do when hiring a contractor is to ask the right questions. This sets expectations for both you and the contractor.
Here are some good questions to ask:
Are you bonded, licensed, and have insurance? (Don't hire unless they do.)
How many soffit jobs have you done in the past year?
What fees are associated with any estimate?
What materials will you use to repair the soffit, and why?
What else needs to be repaired or replaced (fascia, rafter, molding)?
What caused the soffit and fascia problem? Is this part of a more significant issue?
What will this cost?
Is it covered by, or will it affect my insurance?
What is your preferred form of payment?
How much is the deposit?
When do you expect to finish the job?
Andy Sparhawk contributed to this piece.