If you’ve noticed your roofline looking a little dirty and want to spruce up the exterior of your home, then you might be wondering how to clean soffits and fascias. We’re here to give you a step-by-step guide for cleaning your soffits and fascias, including outlining the necessary equipment and maintenance tips.
At Flat Roof Experts, we supply and fit soffits and fascias– if you feel like they’re past the point of saving, then don’t panic! Our experienced roofers can provide quality roofline repairs, keeping your roofline in top condition throughout the years.
The equipment you will need
Before you begin, you must make sure you have the correct equipment to hand. This includes:
- A hose (optional)
- Ladder
- Bucket of warm water with washing-up liquid or detergent
- A sponge
- Drying cloth
While you can use a hose or low-pressure pressure washer to target hard-to-reach areas, it is best to do most of the cleaning by hand. This prevents the most damage, especially if your soffits and fascias are old and more susceptible to damage and cracks. Cleaning by hand is a more thorough approach and avoids pushing water or debris below the roofline.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning soffits and fascias
Once you’ve checked that you have the required equipment, it’s time to get cleaning! Let’s break down what each step of the process involves:
Check for damage
Firstly, you should always check for any damage. If they’re past the point where a good cleaning won’t fix the problem- if it’s rotted, for example- then it’s best to consult a professional before proceeding.
If there are lots of cracks and holes, then chances are the water is going to seep through them, which risks water damage. These should be patched up before any cleaning takes place.
Remove pre-existing dirt and debris
If you’re happy that your soffits and fascias are in a position to be cleaned, then it’s time to get started! Safely position your ladder in the desired location- if it’s unstable, perhaps get a friend to hold it in place. Removing the initial debris and dirt with water is a good place to start before doing an in-depth clean.
To do this, you can use a sponge and water to loosen the initial dirt. Alternatively, you can use a hose but with a low-pressure setting, and it’s important to always spray downwards instead of upwards to avoid getting water inside any of the roofline structure.
Apply detergent and scrub (gently)
Once the initial dirt is removed, you can apply your detergent or cleaning liquid. Use soapy water and a sponge to gently scrub the soffits and fascias. Use enough pressure in circular motions to remove the grime.
Regular, everyday detergent should be sufficient to clean the dirt away. However, if you encounter stubborn patches, you may need to add a little bit of bleach to help you out. Not too much though, you don’t want to damage any paintwork!
Rinse and inspect
Rinse the target area with clean water, either using a rinsed sponge or the garden hose. Once it’s been rinsed, you can see if any stubborn patches of dirt have been missed. If that’s the case, you simply repeat the process.
Dry the area
You can either let the area air dry or use a dry cloth to avoid any potential watermarks. Then you simply move on to the next area you’d like to clean, repeating the above steps until you’re satisfied with the results.
Best practices for maintaining soffits and fascias
Now that you know how to clean soffits and fascias, the next step is learning how to maintain them. Here are some tips, tricks and best practices for maintaining the condition of your soffits and fascias:
- Keep your guttering clean and in good condition to prevent water damage
- Reseal any cracks or holes regularly before they worsen
- Regularly clean to prevent grime buildup
- Inspect a couple of times a year to spot any issues
- Call a professional if you spot extensive damage like rot or pest infestations
Following these five tips should keep your roofline in top condition!
Choose Flat Roof Experts for soffits and fascias installation
If you’re needing a soffits and fascia replacement and a deep clean simply won’t cut it, then Flat Roof Experts can help!
We offer an exceptional soffits and fascias installation service, protecting your roofline from harsh weather conditions and addressing structural issues. We also offer gutter repairs and installation, and EPDM rubber roofing, covering all bases of a reliable, durable roof to help keep your home’s exterior in top condition.
Got a question about your roofing or our services? Get in touch with our expert team!