Prevent Fungal Contaminants By Inspecting and Repairing Eavestrough, Soffit and Fascia Boards

By: Project | Posted: 26th March 2012

Homeowners who live in very wet climates are bound to experience some form of mold or mildew issues, but even homeowners in arid climates can find themselves battling mold and mildew growth in areas they least expect. While some people believe these fungi spores only appear in areas such as a bathroom or a kitchen, there is always the chance that these contaminants are spreading through the attic or exterior of a home.

Mold and mildew growth in these areas are primarily caused by insufficient airflow throughout the structure of a home, as well as dirty, clogged and consistently damp roof drains. Three factors that play into this health hazard are: Blocked soffit vents, dirty eavestrough drains and worn out fascia boards. These problems can contribute to the growth of fungal contaminants that may cause a variety of health problems.

Eavestrough, Soffit and Fascia Boards Protect Homes from Water Damage

Eavestrough drains, soffit vents and fascia boards are designed to work in conjunction with one another, where each one has a specific purpose in keeping a home structurally sound and functioning properly. The eavestrough serves to catch rainwater and excess moisture from the roof and carry it away from the foundation of a home. Soffit boards are installed to hang directly under the edge of the roof, where they prevent water from seeping underneath roofing materials by guiding water toward the ground. Soffit vents are installed under the eaves of a roof, allowing fresh air to flow in and moisture to dry out.

To successfully avoid contamination throughout the attic or exterior of a home, all three of these structural elements must be functioning properly. Unfortunately, without a little maintenance, eavestrough drains, soffit vents and fascia boards can contribute to mold and mildew growth in any home.

Control Moist Environments with Routine Maintenance and Inspections

When it comes to preventing mold and mildew, controlling the environment in which these fungi thrive is the best line of defense. Properly clearing water and debris from an eavestrough is the first step in ensuring the exterior of a home is, and will stay, mold and mildew free. After cleaning out the eavestrough, the next step is to inspect the existing fascia boards. Homeowners should look for signs of rotting or warped wood, which are both indicators of excess moisture. If fascia boards begin to rot, warp or crack, they can no longer effectively remove water from the roof, thus creating an ideal environment for fungal contaminants to grow and spread. Any defective fascia boards should be removed and replaced to preserve the roof and avoid further damage. After assessing the condition of the fascia boards, homeowners should inspect all soffit vents throughout the exterior of the home. The vents should be free of natural debris and deliberate blockages. May times, homeowners opt to cover their soffit vents with insulation or other materials in an attempt to keep their attic space warmer in the winter months. This can impede much needed airflow throughout the space, leading to mold and mildew manifesting throughout the space.

Following these simple steps can help homeowners in any climate avoid a fungal infestation on their property, as well as expensive and time-consuming remediation and repairs. All it takes is periodic inspections and routine maintenance to keep a home free of mold and mildew.
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Tags: health problems, rainwater, fungi, water damage, routine maintenance, mold and mildew, moist environments, excess moisture, roofing materials, airflow, health hazard, spores, eaves, mildew growth