How to clean soffits and fascias

Are you wondering how to clean soffits and fascias? If so, you’re not alone. Many people aren’t sure how to keep these important parts of their property’s roofing system looking their best. Fortunately, the task isn’t that challenging, particularly if you have a pressure washer. Read on to find out how to clean soffits and fascias.

What are soffits and fascias?

Before we consider how to clean soffits and fascias, let’s take a closer look at what they are. Fascias are the long, straight boards that are located where the roof meets the outside wall. Fixed directly to the trusses on the edge of the roof, they work to support the lower roof tiles along with the supporting guttering. Not only do they finish the look of the house but they protect the interior of the building from weather damage. 

Soffits are tucked under the fascia boards. They tend to be used in the main roofing area. Although they can also be installed under porches and even under flights of stairs. Like fascias, they are designed to not just improve the look of your roof but to protect the rafters and support beams from the effects of the elements. Without soffits, the rafters would rot, which could allow mould to get into your house. Mould in your home is a serious problem that can be a lot more expensive to fix than installing a new soffit. 

How to clean soffits and fascias 

Soffits and fascias can be a stubborn place to clean. However, a pressure washer can make the task of cleaning them much easier. A pressure washer works by using a high-pressure jet of cold or hot water to blast the dirt free. Since the water is travelling so fast, it hits the dirty surface with high energy, removing the dirt and dust with ease. Pressure washing won’t damage most hard surfaces like soffits and fascias. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can simply use a standard garden hose. 

To clean your soffits and fascias, start by combining half a cup of washing up liquid with two gallons of warm water. Adding two tablespoons of bleach to the bucket can help to kill any mildew. Then prop up the ladder securely in a position that allows you to reach both the soffits and fascias. Scrub down the surfaces with a sponge and then use the pressure washer or hose to rinse away the detergent.

Remove mould from soffits and fascias

Once mould has made itself at home on your soffits and fascias, a little more work is required. Mould growth occurs due to excess moisture build-up, which is often the result of broken guttering or a leaking roof. Water can accumulate, causing the mould to grow and multiply over time. Don’t be tempted to leave the mould where it is since it not only looks unattractive but it can cause your soffits and fascias and even the roof’s timber to rot. This can put your whole roofing system at risk. 

To remove mould from your soffits and fascias, mix three parts bleach with one part water in a bucket. One bucket can cover 30-50 square feet. Once your ladder is securely positioned, scrub the areas affected by mould with a stiff brush which has been dipped into the bleach solution. Once you’ve done this thoroughly, leave the soffits and fascias to dry. After a week or so, inspect them to check for mould. If mould is still present, repeat the cleaning process until it’s all been removed. 

The importance of cleaning soffits and fascias

Cleaning soffits and fascias keeps the exterior of your home looking beautiful as well as helps you to identify early signs of damage. By cleaning these parts of your property’s roofing system regularly, you can spot problems with these key components. Allowing you to carry out repairs or replace them before they become more serious. The team at Raven Roofing can inspect your soffits and fascias so check for any issues. We can replace them if necessary, making sure the edges of the roof are as watertight as possible and reducing the risk of damage to your home. Don’t leave damage to your soffits and fascias to get worse over time – take steps to replace them as quickly as possible.

Soffits and fascia installation 

If your property’s soffits or fascias can’t be saved, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Raven Roofing and Repairs. A leading local roofing company, we have been installing fascias and soffits in Grimsby and Louth for many years. We have built up a brilliant reputation for our professional services and affordable prices. 

Since timber soffits and fascias can be hard to maintain and are susceptible to rot, you may opt to replace them with those constructed from uPVC. uPVC soffits and fascias not only look great but they’re far easier to clean and care for. At Raven Roofing, we’re on hand to install them for you, using the highest quality products which represent superb value for money. You can rest assured that your uPVC soffits and fascia boards won’t rot, warp or flake any time soon. They’re designed to stand the test of time, protecting your property for many years to come. We are Freefoam installers, ensuring that all our products come with a full guarantee.

Contact us

If you need new fascias or soffits in Grimsby or Louth, contact Raven Roofing today. Call us on 01472 565 084 or 01507 640 072 to discuss your requirements with one of our experienced team. You can also send an enquiry via the form on our website if you prefer and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.