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The Functions and Importance of Fascia and Soffit to Your Roofing

The soffit and fascia are some of the most integral yet underrated parts of roofing systems. This is because they don’t give the impression to be the components of a home that would play a key role in your roofing system’s performance. To clear that up, it’s important that you know what exactly about the roles of soffit and fascia.

 

Fascia:

The fascia is the portion of the roof that is used to make a barrier between the outside and the edge of the roof. Classically installed behind the gutters and underneath the roof line, the importance of the fascia to a well-constructed roof is undeniable. The fascia will frequently cover the entire structure and be connected either to the top of the exterior walls or to the rafter’s uncovered ends. It usually comprises from fibre-cement board, cedar, or aluminium.

 

Soffit:

Outspreading from the side of the structure to the edges of the eave, the soffit is the structure beneath the eave on the house’s exterior in order to seal the space underneath. Its design warrants that it is installed from the exterior walls to the fascia boards. It comprises of wood, sheet metal, or fibre-cement board. Since one of the many functions of a soffit is to aid in ventilating the attic, it usually features small holes which permit the air to cycle to the vents thereby drawing moisture and heat away.

 

Importance of Fascia and Soffit:

One of the reasons why your soffit and fascia are so significant is because they can give your home’s external an appeasing look, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. However, their importance goes outside this as they also avert your home from sustaining structural damage. They can achieve this by keeping pests from attacking your home and they can avoid moisture build-up that can consequence in mould growth and rotted rafters.

  • Offers air intake to naturally vent the attic and keep roof’s surface cool
  • Helps diminish energy consumption and costs, particularly in the summer
  • Also aids in extending the lifespan and dependability of shingles/roof materials
  • Covers gaps between the rafters/joists to avoid entry by rodents and insects
  • Guards against impairment to roof deck/frame and to the attic insulation

 

To fully make the most of the purpose of fascia and soffit in your roof, proper care and fitting is highly encouraged. This is specifically so if you have an old home that comprises of wooden fascia and soffit since wood and water do not go hand in hand. The good news, though, is that there are minimal maintenance fascia that are created either from aluminium or PVC with the former being popular and common. Contrarywise, most soffits are designed using vinyl which is highly effective in enduring the degradation caused by heat and moisture.

However, over a period of time, this aluminium type will also certainly necessitate recoating or a retouch. This is where quality coatings come in as they not only offer the essential shield, but sustain the colour trend of your fascia and soffit as well. Therefore, always reach out for expert and experienced professionals that can satisfactorily handle such a project for you.

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Signs That You Need To Replace Your Roofing

A very common misconception among homeowners is that they think their roofing system is a semi-permanent feature and will last for very long. This cannot be more wrong, since the roof is probably the only part of the house that faces the most of nature’s wrath and therefore, is prone to damage. We do not mean to say that you should replace your roofing every two to three years, it is definitely sturdier than that, however, and it is a good idea to check up on the soffits and fascia boards from time to time to look for damages. Sometimes, these are ignored by homeowners until it becomes absolutely unbearable.

Here are some signs to look out for which may indicate that your roofing systems needs to be looked at.

  1. The paint is cracking and peeling off.

The soffit and fascia boards definitely add to the curb appeal of your home, and in case they are peeling off paint, it can result in a number of problems such as mold, water damage, and bug infestation and so on. If this happens, you should get the roofing checked by a professional and take immediate steps to prevent further damage.

  1. Leaking gutters.

If the gutters of your home start leaking or dipping even when the weather is dry, it might be due to build-up of leaves, twig and numerous kind of debris in the gutters. This can lead to a number of problems, since water accumulation will lead to mold, act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and spread diseases, and damage the structural integrity of your home. You should definitely get your roofing checked in this case so that you later do not have to spend heavily on repairs.

  1. Roof rafters are damaged.

Water build-up can do significant damage to your house, especially to the roofing since parts of it are made using timber, which can be damaged or even be rotted away with excessive moisture absorption. In case your roof rafters are damaged, this is a clear indication that your soffit and fascia boards are faulty and are allowing water to leak inside. If this is not handled properly on time, this can damage your roofing completely and call for a complete replacement.

  1. Issues with ventilation.

Soffits and fascia boards help with maintaining the ventilation system in your home to allow clean air to come in and to keep the temperature inside your home favourable. If you notice any unusual symptoms with your ventilation, this might be a sign that your soffit and fascia boards are damaged, and cannot allow air circulation.

  1. An unusually high AC bill.

In the warmer months, if you get an unusually high AC bill, high enough to be concerning, it is a good idea to check the roofing. This is because your roof may hold excess heat which in turn makes your AC consume more energy and take longer to cool the interiors. This can be a sign of damaged soffit and fascia boards.

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Your Home Maintenance Guide Post-Rains

When living in Toronto, you never know what a cloudy day brings along. A simple rain prediction can quickly convert into an astounding storm, and at the end, it is your house left alone to battle the powerful winds, damaging hail, flooding lighting strikes, and more. Hence, special care is required during and post heavy rains to prevent home damage and loss.

Here are a few tips to take care of your home in the monsoon season –

  1. Inspect the Roof

Your roofing is the first line of defence against inclement weather conditions, which is why it is usually in the most worn-out condition after storms. Excessive downpour often leaves behind cracks in the roof that can create a whole bunch of new problems.

There can be loose shingles, chimney damage, and broken vents causing moisture to seep in through the exterior walls gradually. Patches can also be seen as a result of water seepage.

So, to avoid these issues taking a bad turn, you must inspect your roof as the rain settles. Look out for signs of moisture and fix them at the earliest.

  1. Clear the Gutters

The beautiful view of rain is priceless to watch but it is disastrous for the health of your home. Gutters and downspouts quickly fill up with debris, dirt, and leaves, and prevent the water from flowing freely. This can soon cause water pooling and cause harm to the exterior parts of the building.

Water accumulation can further lead to mold problems and in winter, cause ice dams to build up, deteriorating the condition of your gutters.

Thus, to make things easier, use a gutter protection and carry out a thorough cleaning with professional help. If malfunctioned, invest in a new eavestrough system as soon as possible.

  1. Make Way for Air Ventilation

By shutting windows and doors during rains, there can be high moisture levels in your home, causing your indoors to smell musty and bad. That is because there hasn’t been enough sunlight inside your house and the flow of fresh breeze in the rooms.

The dark and damp conditions can make way for mold contamination, and you can soon develop skin allergies and breathing issues.

And while this can take a while to come to the surface, it is best to be proactive and cut down the humidity trapped in the home. Open windows and doors once a day and for the rest, use dehumidifiers.

  1. Trim and Clear the Branches

 

Tree branches and shrubs tend to grow quickly. If they aren’t manicured properly, they can be a huge nuisance to sidings, exterior walls, screens and windows in monsoon. They can be an open invitation to pest and insect problems and cause physical harm to you and your family.

Besides, there can be damaged leaves, and branches fall off, causing drain blockages and taking a severe toll on the health of your lawn.

That is why you must trim away the bushes from the sidings and attic and remove the dead branches whenever possible.

 

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New Exterior Shutters: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Exterior window shutters are usually installed to maintain the privacy of your home and to limit the amount of sunlight entering your house. Window shutters, whether interior or exterior have become a popular trend among many homeowners.

 

If you are updating your house with new materials whether to give a classic touch or incorporating exterior window shutters into the renovation project for the first time, the choice of shutters and the way you install them plays a significant role.

 

If you believe that shutters are meant for adding just the functionality, you may be wrong. Shutters come in a variety of designs, colors and sizes, leaving room for making the right choice for your home. You are no longer bound to select the typical traditional shutters anymore. However, the problem arises when you are not familiar with some facts associated with the installation of shutters.

 

If you wish to enhance the beauty of your home’s exterior and the windows, here are some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to exterior window shutters.

 

1) Buying Low-Quality Shutters- If you are more deviated towards the decorative mode that you end up purchasing low-quality shutters, believing that there are other things to rely on when it comes to blocking the sun rays; you are wrong. It is the first common mistake that people make. You must know that low-quality shutters that you are putting to enhance the beauty will be fastened outside the home where they will be exposed to all sorts of weather changes. The brittle material will wear off within a month, and its paint will fade away within weeks. Therefore, buy high-quality shutters to get improved performance and look for years to come.

 

2) Purchasing the Wrong Size of Shutters- The wrong size of shutters can disrupt the symmetry of your house from outside. Secondly, incorporating shutters that are overly designed may not fit well on the windows. If they are too large, it won’t be easy to shut them. If they are too small, they won’t seal well. To make the most of it, measure the size from the outside of your window and then visit the exterior shutter store to purchase them.

 

3) Incorrectly Fastening Shutters- Fastening shutters is an important part since each material requires a proper technique and usage of equipment to fasten them to the windows. For instance, material like wood and vinyl expand or contract upon heating and cooling, it means they need a little room to breathe, and people often fasten them too tightly, damaging the shutters.

 

4) Choosing the Wrong Paint for Shutters- Although you purchase the right size and material of shutters, yet painting them with wrong paint can make a difference. Remember, if you have bought wooden shutters, make sure to use paint that completely seals them; otherwise a thin paint can wash away easily and damp the wood. Moreover, never use paint that is white or pale since it can get dirty easily because of the outdoor elements. It is better to spray the shutters with dark paint.

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Rainwater Harvesting for Your Garden: Follow Easy Steps

If you have a beautiful backyard or a garden, maintaining it requires efforts. If you want to see your garden flourish with lush green grass and blooming flowers, you need to provide them with all the resources including fertile soil, exposure to the right number of natural elements, and water. However, some of the resources require money. You can expect a higher water bill when you have an entire garden to water every day. It is then when people think about rainwater harvesting.

 

Rainwater harvesting can help you cut cost on your water bills, and simultaneously, it is an excellent way of moving towards a sustainable environment. You might have read online or in several books regarding how people are indulged in installing rain barrels, recycling water and using it for various purposes. The thrifty idea of recycling water from precipitation has solved problems associated with the limit access to groundwater.

 

Coming back to rainwater harvesting, here are some easy steps to follow with most of the things present in your house required for the process.

 

Step1: Select a section of your roof- If you are looking for a catchment area for water to roll into your collection tub directly, you must consider the roof of your house. Choosing your roof will make you collect water immediately without setting up any other catchment area. All you need to do is, find the steeper side of your roof and designate the downspout for the accumulation of water that is installed on the steeper edge.

 

Step2: Look for a steep area where water collects naturally- Mostly people choose the site of their gutters for rainwater harvesting since the water from downspouts falls a few feet away from them. That place could be used to install rain barrels for collection of water. Besides, you are not limited to the gutters as you can go for choosing any natural shallow area around the foundation of your house.

 

Step3: Purchase a rain barrel- Rain barrels make the perfect choice for harvesting rainwater, especially for your garden. Make sure to install the rain barrel just below the downspout so that the rainwater directly pours into the rain barrel passing through the downspout. Remember to keep the opening narrow so that the critters like birds and small wild animals don’t litter the water inside.

 

Step4: Water storage must be closer to your garden- Since the barrels upon filling will become quite heavy to move, make sure they are near to the area where you wish to use the harvested water. It will be easy for you to drive water from the barrel to your garden if it is placed near to it.

 

Step5: Filter the harvested rainwater if you want- Filtered and stored rainwater can be used for drinking purposes too. If you wish to filter the rainwater, you can use a mesh to screen the water or other filtration methods. Doing so will filter the germs, bacteria and other sorts of microorganisms in the rainwater. So, harvest rainwater to make the most of natural resources and cut down your energy bills.

 

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Benefits of Installing Soffit System

For a homeowner, the stability and security of a home often takes precedence over beauty and aesthetic. While most people tend to focus on installing security systems, CCTV cameras, window shutters and so on, the integrity and protection that your roof needs is often overlooked. This can be quite detrimental, since the roof of your house is the first line of defence against most natural agents like wind, water, heat and hail. This is where a soffit system comes in handy.

A soffit system is installed on the underside of the overhanging section of a roof. This structure ensures the stability of the roof and also makes your house look nicer. We shall look at the various benefits that come with installing a soffit system in your house.

 

  1. Protects the roof.

Any effective roofing system needs to have soffit installed to protect its structural integrity. The roof bears the brunt for most of the damages that is borne by any structure; hence it needs adequate support and stability to not come crumbling down. Installing soffit system ensures that the underlying rafters are not damaged by rain, heat or snow, this protecting your home.

  1. Easy to maintain.

You may think that installing another home system will be extra work in terms of money and maintenance, but you will be shocked to hear the prices for these installations as well as their easy upkeep. Soffit systems do not require any cleaning or maintenance, and are cleaned only once a year, if not less. They are not suited for replacement very soon since they last for very long.

  1. Roof insulation.

Soffit systems also act as roof insulation in cold winter months. They are designed to conceal the ventilation of rooms and they help to keep away moisture. This combined action enables the system to act as a source of insulation for the roof.

  1. Reduce expenses on utilities.

You may end up spending a large amount on your energy bills every month, simply because your home loses too much heat or cold which makes you overwork your heating and cooling systems. Installing a soffit system ensures that the loss of energy from your home is minimised, making you save on utilities.

  1. Increases resale value.

Anyone looking to buy a home would prefer one that has all necessary systems such as soffit, installed in advance. You can get a guaranteed return for your investment if you decide to sell your house with soffit installations in the near future.

  1. Aesthetic appeal.

Overhanging roofs look very aesthetic and vintage, but they have beams underneath them, which can dampen the overall appeal of your house. Installing a soffit system under the roofing will make your house look more ornate and beautiful by concealing these beams.

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What Are The Benefits of Installing Exterior Shutters?

In most old styled homes, shutters on the windows provide a sense of security and protection, in addition to enhancing the aesthetic of the home. Exterior shutters serve a multitude of functions which makes them relevant and popular even today. Due to their versatility in style and purposes, they can work with any kind of architectural design. Read on to know why exterior shutters are beneficial even today.

 

  1. Privacy

Windows are meant to provide you with a space of your own without any outside influence. Installing exterior shutters can give you complete privacy. There are a range of styles and designs for you to choose from, where you can find the right exterior shutter for your house that goes with the architecture, improves aesthetic and also gives you complete privacy in your space.

  1. Protection

Since most windows are made of glass, they do not always offer complete protection against rain, heat and cold. Moreover, over time, continued exposure to natural elements can damage the glass. It is easier to break into homes by breaking windows. Installing exterior shutters (usually made of basswood) resists heat of the sun, damage caused by rain, snow and hail and is physically much stronger and offers more impact absorption, making it harder for burglars to break in. Thus, not only does it increase aesthetic, it is also practical.

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Exterior shutters on windows provide an additional layer of insulation in cold winter months. They can help regulate the temperature indoor by blocking cold winds. In summer, it does not allow excess heat to enter the house. To an extent, exterior shutters are also useful in insulating from noise, in case you live in a noisy neighbourhood.

  1. Ventilation

This is another benefit that comes with installing external shutters. They can allow the hot air to escape from indoors and act as vents, especially if they are installed at a height. This is especially useful in small spaces like the attic, basement and storage areas.

  1. Controls sunlight.

No one likes to be woken up earlier than usual by sunrays streaming across their face. It is aesthetic and maybe a tiny bit romantic? Yes, but not every single day. By installing exterior shutters, you can regulate the amount of sunlight that enters your room. Shutters keep out sunlight in a much more affordable way than other window installations. Since you can control the amount of light in your room, you also can protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

  1. Curb appeal.

Finally, exterior shutters will give your home a vintage look, in addition to providing security, protection, ventilation and privacy. Installing them automatically makes your property look brighter and more refined, which enhances market value once you decide to sell your house.

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Top Three Reasons Why Installing Gutters In Your New House Is A Must

Gutters play a very important role in your house as they collect the rainwater from your roof and direct it away from your house. This way the foundation of your house remains protected and does not get destroyed due to rainwater. Gutters are considered as the main element of roofing systems, therefore once installed helps you cut down the cost of unnecessary repairs.

Before installing gutters or understanding the need to install them or leaving your house as it is, it’s essential to understand the main purpose of these rain gutters and why they are important. The primary motive of the gutter is to collect rainwater or water from melting snow running down your roof. Then the collected water is directed away from your house.

Gutters help keep your foundation strong and protected from rain. They also keep your exterior and siding safe from being damaged due to water. Gutters are very essential specifically for newly built houses in order to protect them from getting damaged due to rain, hence holding onto its beauty.

Below given are top three reasons as to why installing gutters in your new house is a must :

Ceases the entry of pests in your home :

  • Installing gutters in your home is very important as they collect the rain water and direct it away from your home which prevents water standing at one place. Pooled water attracts pests and insects into your home.
  • Presence of insects is very harmful for your and your loved ones well-being. Some of the common insects to be found around stagnant water include mosquitoes, flies, gnats, etc and this water acts as a breeding ground for these insects.
  • But when rainwater is directed away from your foundation or siding it eliminates the chances of pests entering your home.

 

It protects your siding from getting damaged :

  • No matter whatever type of siding you install on the exterior of your home it is at high risk of getting damaged by water and various other elements if there’s absence of gutter on your roof.
  • Gutters keep rainwater and melting snow water away from your home which safeguards all the external components of your house including both siding and foundation.
  • The collected water is directed into downspouts or drains where they are recycled and reused. If you do not install proper gutters around your house then your siding and foundation will get destroyed after some time due to exposure to excessive moisture.

 

Controls the growth of mold :

  • Mold usually grows in places where moisture content is high and lacks proper ventilation. Without installation of gutters the water keeps on collecting and damages the foundation causing leakages in the basement of your house. This water then can lead to cracks in the walls and substitutes to be the perfect environment for mold growth.
  • Gutters can help reduce the amount of moisture getting into your home thereby collecting water and directing it away from your home.
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Why Is Siding Important

Siding is very essential and has a dedicated purpose to serve when it comes to your home. It acts as a shield and protects your home under all circumstances and harsh weather conditions. Moisture is one of the biggest concerns since it induces certain damages in your home. In case the insulation gets trapped in between the walls then it might cause mold and mildew to grow.

Siding plays an important role in keeping water and debris away from your home and it doesn’t allow insulation to build up thereby reducing the chances of moisture making its way into your house and causing damages. Basically siding protects the foundation and other exteriors of your home. Majorly during rain, snow, wind and other such weather conditions siding provides total protection and reduces the chances of damages.

In addition to all of that, siding adds to the beauty of your home. Since it is installed on the exteriors and covers the outside of your house, they play a very important role in enhancing the beauty of it. Different types of sidings are available in the market including vinyl, aluminum, etc and each of them have their own significance. Depending on your preferences, living and budget, you can select the material of siding accordingly.

Below are reasons as to why siding is important :

Stops water from entering your home :

  • Siding acts as a shield against water and stops it from entering your home. No doubt roofs, gutters and foundations act as strong barriers against water but siding also plays a very important role in preventing water damages.
  • If moisture leads its way into your home then it can completely damage or even destroy your home interiors. It can damage your doors, windows and affect the foundation of your home. In addition to that excessive moisture can also lead to growth of mold in your house. Siding stops moisture from making its way into your home and waterproofs it as well, thereby increasing the life of your home.

 

Ceases pest infestation :

  • Along with keeping moisture and water away from your home, siding also ceases the entry of pests into your home. Nowadays siding materials are designed in a way to last long that too with minimum amount of effort and maintenance.
  • Pests can’t make their way inside your home without cracks and warping. In addition to that if you want an effective treatment against pests then choose a good quality siding material. Poor quality siding can allow moisture to form a way in your house thereby making an easy pathway for pests as well.

 

Prevents all sorts of damages :

  • Siding prevents all sorts of damages. It acts as a safety shield and protects your home under all weather conditions such as rains, strong winds and extreme heat. Siding is very essential for the health and well-being of our homes. Poor quality siding can worsen the effect and increase the possibility of damages. Whereas good quality siding will provide total protection and prevent damages.
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Helpful Tips to Take Care of Home’s Foundation

For any house foundation is the most crucial yet overlooked part. Many homeowners just focus on visible components of the house to make it attractive. They don’t pay attention to the foundation until something serious happens. But, it is something that should not be forgotten because the entire house stands on it. Remember, ignorant behavior can lead to the failure of the whole structure of your home. Thus, it is imperative to get timely foundation repairs done.

 

Keep gutters in a healthy state – Gutters play a vital role in the maintenance of the foundation of the home. If your gutters are not clogged or damaged, only then you can expect your foundation to be in sound condition. The rain water that moves towards the foundation of your house can be prevented if you have professionally installed and well-maintained gutters at your home. Gutters can deflect rain water falling from the roof, which protects the ground from getting wet and this, in return, prevents foundation weakening or damages. So, it is highly recommended to hire gutter repair experts on time if you notice a leakage or any issue with them. If needed, get the gutter system replaced so that the structure and foundation of your house stay in the right condition.

 

Plant trees away from your home – It is suggested to plant trees away from the house because otherwise, the roots of trees will compete with soil for moisture. This can lead to uneven settling of the foundation, and cracks can be formed. For this reason, it is advised to plant trees and shrubs away from home.

 

Maintain good moisture levels – Keep a check on the soil around your house and make sure that it does not get too wet or too dry. As the moisture level changes, the soil expands and contracts that causes cracks. To avoid cracks and to ensure that moisture levels remain perfect, have an automatic lawn sprinkler installed in your garden. Sprinklers sprinkle only the needed amount of water, and in case of the rainy season, it does not sprinkle water. Thus, an automatic sprinkler can prove to be extremely helpful in maintaining right moisture levels.

 

Perform annual plumbing checks – Plumbing issues are also among the common reasons for foundation damage. Plumbing problems can lead to seepage of water underground that further damages the foundation of the house. Thus, to protect your home’s base, it is recommended to hire professional plumbers if you notice leaks or cracks.

 

Ensure that your home is constructed on a fine slope – Proper slope is mandatory if you want the water to drain away from the foundation. The slope should be constructed in such a way that the water flows away from it.

 

Hire a contractor for foundation issues – Lastly, if you suspect any problems with your foundation, then prefer talking to a foundation expert. Get the condition of the foundation evaluated by the professionals so that the potential problem gets uncovered and fixed on time.