What to Do About Clogged Soffit Vents in Eau Claire, WI

Savvy homeowners in Eau Claire, WI, understand that their roof is more than just the shingles. Problems in other seemingly unimportant parts, like the soffit vents or the fascia boards right beside them, can significantly damage the rest of the roof system. It may also have far-reaching effects on the rest of the home.

So, when you spot clogs in your vents, you can't afford to ignore them for too long. Clogged soffit vents mean fresh air can't enter your attic, and hot, humid air can't escape either. This leads to a long list of possible issues.

Thankfully, you can avoid these issues if you know how to get rid of the clogs. Forever Exteriors, one of the best roofing companies in Eau Claire, WI, looks at what you can do about those clogs below.

The Common Causes of Clogs in Soffit Vents

Some of the most common causes of clogs in soffit vents include the following:

• Organic debris. Dead leaves, twigs, pollen, and seeds from trees around your property can accumulate around the soffit vents. When the debris piles up long enough, it can take the specific vent out of commission.
• Pests. Rodents and birds often find their way into roof systems, building nests in parts of the roof that will give them comfort and protection. Few parts of the roof tick those boxes better than the areas around the soffit vents. Thus, they end up causing clogs around the area.
• Debris from construction work. Leftover shingles, nails, roof underlay, and other materials can find their way into your soffit vents, blocking airflow.
• Excessive insulation. Some people inadvertently block their soffit vents by pushing insulation materials too close to them.

Signs of Clogged Soffit Vents

Clogged soffit vents lead to a long list of problems. If you spot any of these signs, it's time to explore ways to clear out the vent:

• Visible clogs. If you look at your soffit vents and find dirt and debris around them, that's your cue to do something.
• Utility bill spikes. Clogged soffit vents mean more hot air trapped inside your home. Thus, your air conditioner will work harder to cool your home, raising your energy bills.
• Mold growth. Poor ventilation in your attic creates the perfect breeding ground for mold growth. If you see moisture buildup or visible mold growth in your attic, it's time to check your soffit vents.
• Ice dams. Winter here in Eau Claire, WI, can be very unforgiving. Clogged soffit vents increase the risk of snow thawing and refreezing around your eaves. Regular ice damming will invariably lead to roof rot and water damage inside your property.

What to Do About Your Clogged Soffit Vents

The primary thing you can do about clogged soffit vents is to clean them up. Your options here include:

Use Compressed Air

You can get a few cans of compressed air from your local hardware store. Once you have them, climb toward the soffit vent with a ladder and point a can of compressed air toward it. The force of the air should be enough to blow away any loose debris from around the vent.

Don't forget to wear protective gear over your eyes and nose to avoid inhaling any debris while dealing with your blocked soffit vent problems.

Use a Vacuum Cleaner

Compressed air will not help with clogging in soffit vents due to pest activity, for example. In this scenario, you'll have to open the vent, manually remove solid clogs you can reach, and then use a vacuum cleaner to clear out any remaining debris.

Again, this approach to dealing with obstructed soffit vents will require climbing to the vent. It may also not be practical for vents that are hard to detach without dismantling an entire section of soffits.

Brush Away the Debris

You can brush away the debris causing the soffit ventilation blockage with a long-bristled brush. You only need to push the brush into the vent while moving it up and down (like you would while removing cobwebs). However, you'll have to be careful to avoid damaging the vent.

Get Expert Guidance on Your Soffit Vent Obstruction Issues From Forever Exteriors

Are you unsure about how to tackle your clogged soffit vents? The Forever Exteriors team in Eau Claire, WI, can help. The technicians from the company are experienced in troubleshooting clogged soffit vents. They can evaluate the clogs and devise the perfect plan to clean each one thoroughly.

Are you wondering what happens if you don't replace your roof? Call Forever Exteriors in Eau Claire, WI, to schedule a consultation today.