Tornado

Soffits are the material covering the underside of the roof overhang. An unsecured soffit can leave the house vulnerable to wind-driven rain. Once rain is driven up through the soffits and into the attic, it can soak ceilings and walls.

Some have wood supports but the soffit material is not adequately fastened to the wood. More often, no wood backing is installed and the vinyl or aluminum channels are stapled or nailed to the wall.

 

If soffits extend more than 18 inches from the wall:

1. Push up in the middle to see if there is a wood support.
2. If there is, install sharp pointed stainless steel screws every 12” through the soffit material and into this support.

If you can’t determine how well the soffit is installed:

1. Apply a bead of polyurethane sealant along the joint between the edge of the channel and the wall (Figure A),
2. Install sharp pointed stainless steel screws through the fascia and channels so that they connect the soffit material to the edge supports (Figure B), and
3. Apply sealant in the grooves where the fascia material butts up against the fascia and wall channel (Figure C).

It is also possible for embers from a wildfire to enter the attic through soffits. Once inside, the embers can set the entire house ablaze.

 

Keeping embers out: