What causes soffit damage?
Short answer. Most soffit damage comes from water: gutters that overflow or leak behind themselves, missing drip edge, or roof leaks at the eave that soak the wood until it rots. Animals pushing in from outside, wind that pops panels loose, hail that cracks vinyl, and moisture from exhaust vented at the eave cause most of the rest.
Water from above
- Clogged or overflowing gutters: water spills over the back of the gutter, runs down the fascia and soaks the soffit. Under Georgia's oaks and pines this is the top cause.
- Missing or short drip edge: water wicks behind the gutter and onto the fascia board.
- Roof leaks at the eave: worn shingles or underlayment at the lowest course let water into the decking edge, which drains onto the soffit.
- Valleys dumping onto a corner: concentrated flow overwhelms the gutter at one spot.
Other causes
- Animals: squirrels and raccoons push up loose panels or chew corners; woodpeckers drill wood soffits.
- Wind: vinyl and aluminum panels that are not secured in their channels pop out in storms.
- Hail: large hail can crack vinyl soffit, especially on the side facing the storm.
- Exhaust moisture: bath fans or dryers venting at the eave keep the soffit damp and mildewed.
- Age and sun: paint failure on wood soffit lets rot get started.
Reading the damage
Rot that follows the gutter line points to gutter water. Rot only at inside corners points to valley runoff. Clean holes or bent panels point to animals. If the damage appeared after a storm with hail or high wind, photograph it with the date, since it may belong in a storm damage inspection. Fix the water source before replacing the wood, or the new soffit will rot the same way. See gutter sizing, seamless gutters and guards and drip edge explained.