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Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

I thought I had a septic problem when my toilet and sink wasn't draining properly. This suspicion was confirmed when sewer water started backing up in my bathtub. I figured that this was a job for a professional, so I called a local sewer service company. Sure enough, my septic tank was full and this was causing the problem. After having my tank pumped out, my drains run freely and my toilet flushes better than it has in a long time. My name is Wesley Hammond and the experience that I had with my septic system is the reason that I'm writing this blog. Since sewage backup in the house is very unhealthy, everyone should be aware of the signs of a faulty septic system. As you read these articles, you'll learn about the different types of septic system problems and how you can keep them from happening.

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Signs Of A Faulty Septic System

Soffit And Fascia 101: What They Are, And How To Spot Problems With Them

by Jacob Reed

Keeping an eye on the condition of your home's roof is important, because spotting small problems early on can save you a lot of money and hassle. Two of your roof's most important pieces are the soffit and fascia, and although they sound like something from a fancy French jewelry store, they are actually super important for keeping moisture and pests out of your home. Here is a little info on these roofing components, including how to spot problems with them, so you can make the necessary repairs before extensive damage occurs.

Soffit, So Good

The word "soffit" derives from the French language and literally means "something fixed underneath." Take a look at your home's roof, and you'll probably see a panel of aluminum, plastic or vinyl running along the underside of the roof where it hangs over the side of your home. This is the soffit, and it's more than just a pretty design aspect. Soffits provide ventilation for your attic while keeping pesky critters out, and it also acts as a pretty covering for exposed beams, keeping them safe from the elements, while making your roof look more "polished."

If your soffits become damaged, insects, birds and other pests can take up residence inside your attic. Large cracks and holes in your soffit can also allow moisture to penetrate into your attic and along the beams of your roof, leading to rot and other nasty roofing damage. 

Fabulous Fascia

Fascia boards are another protective feature on your roof that work closely alongside the soffits to prevent water from getting in your attic and under the shingles of the roof. The fascia are the solid boards that run along the lower edge of your roof. The fascia also helps support your gutters and the outermost layer of roofing shingles on your home. These also give your home a finished, aesthetically pleasing look.

Damaged fascia can allow moisture to penetrate to the beams underneath, leading to wood rot and moisture inside your home. They can also cause problems for your gutters, since weak fascia can't support them when there is a heavy downpour. 

Spotting Problems

Making a habit to check the soffit and fascia boards of your roof can help you spot problems early on. One of the best times to check for problems is when you clean out your gutters, since they are in close proximity to both features. This makes keeping your gutters clean a real priority, since water that backs up in your gutters can easily penetrate a damaged soffit or fascia board.

Regular maintenance can not only help you catch problems early, it can help you keep your soffit and fascia in good shape. 

  • Clean any mildew or mold you find off with a soft brush and follow up with a solution of bleach and water.
  • Keep an eye out for bees, wasps, or hornets trying to build nests along the soffit or fascia boards. Remove any nests before they have time to grow in size.
  • If you choose to pressure wash your home, take care not to damage the soffit panels when cleaning. A lower setting may be used, or just play it safe and clean them by hand to avoid moisture finding its way underneath.

While you can try to tackle any problems with damaged soffit and fascia boards yourself, you may want to leave it up to a professional. If not fitted properly, they won't be able to do their job, and you could end up dealing with leaks or pest problems down the road. Fortunately, if you catch problems early on, repairs are fairly simple for a skilled roofer to manage.

Keep an eye on these important roofing components, and they'll keep your home free from damp and pests, while making your house look great, too.

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