Large gaps between roof and soffits - Good for birds, bad for homeowner
#1
08-17-13, 03:50 PM
Join Date: Aug 2013
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Large gaps between roof and soffits - Good for birds, bad for homeowner
Hi all,
I have a home with several dormers and other architectural features that create some large gaps between where the soffits and fascia meet the roof. In some cases the gaps are 2-3 inches and there are families of birds or squirrels living behind them.
I think the correct solution would have been put put flashing behind where the bottom of the soffit board meets the roof. However, I'd rather not pull out all of the soffit boards and install flashing. I was thinking of installing a 2" x 1/2" trim board along the bottom to at least prevent animals from entering. That seems a bit better than spray foam but I'm still seeking other options.
Here's a picture:
What is the "right" way to repair this? Any advice would be much appreciated.
-J
I have a home with several dormers and other architectural features that create some large gaps between where the soffits and fascia meet the roof. In some cases the gaps are 2-3 inches and there are families of birds or squirrels living behind them.
I think the correct solution would have been put put flashing behind where the bottom of the soffit board meets the roof. However, I'd rather not pull out all of the soffit boards and install flashing. I was thinking of installing a 2" x 1/2" trim board along the bottom to at least prevent animals from entering. That seems a bit better than spray foam but I'm still seeking other options.
Here's a picture:
What is the "right" way to repair this? Any advice would be much appreciated.
-J
#2
08-18-13, 04:00 AM
Welcome to the forums!
Installing wood directly to the shingles is inviting rot
I wonder if there is someway to push hardware cloth into the opening ?? Some of the others should be along later with more suggestions 
Installing wood directly to the shingles is inviting rot
I wonder if there is someway to push hardware cloth into the opening ?? Some of the others should be along later with more suggestions 
#3
08-18-13, 07:13 AM
Group Moderator
Yes, the area should have had some copper or galvanized flashing installed behind the soffit. Provided the shingles run far behind the soffit, hardware cloth is as good a suggestion as any. Being in Wisconsin, I'd be concerned about snow blowing into that gap and then melting, causing a small leak. So maybe bending a flashing and caulking it to the soffit would be best. You should be able to get a 6" roll of copper at Menards, cut it to the approximate length you need and then bend it in half so that it's 3x3, bending it to the angle you need so that it fits snug. A hem on both edges would work best, but you would need a metal break to do that. Not sure if Menards rents those or not.
