You ever spend time around people in a different career than you, and they toss out words like affidavit or amortization or chiaroscuro, so you just smile and nod?
Just us?
Well, if you’re talking with an exterior contractor who has taken a look at your home, you might hear them toss out the word fascia. To many homeowners, roof fascia is a total mystery because it’s not really the roof, it’s not really the siding, and it’s not really the gutters… So what is fascia? And why is it important?
We’re breaking all that down and more, including:
- The difference between fascia and trim
- Common fascia materials
- Signs you need to replace your fascia
So, What Is Roof Fascia, Really?
Simply put, roof fascia is the part of your home exterior that covers the area where your roof meets your exterior walls. It sits under the roof edge and covers the roof rafters and trusses that would otherwise be exposed without the help of fascia boards.
Fascia has two main jobs:
- Protect the roof cavity from moisture and pests, and;
- Support the weight of your guttering system.
Fascia boards work in tandem with the soffits and gutters. Take a look at our handy diagram to tell the difference between the three components!
Soffits protect the underside of the roof, and fascia boards run horizontally across the roof rafters, covering the entire roofline. Together, these two components help prevent moisture from creeping into your roof cavity and causing rot and water damage.
Gutters are attached directly to fascia boards on the side of roofs, so fascia is instrumental in ensuring the gutters are strong, secure, and don’t sag down. If gutters have pulled away from the side of your home due to weak fascia, water can seep in and cause damage to the fascia and the roof cavity.
Beyond its important jobs, fascia also helps give your home exterior a clean, finished appearance that adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Isn’t This the Same Thing as Trim?
So… fascia covers the edge of the roof rafters with a sleek, clean material. Isn’t that the same as trim?
Well, not exactly. Although fascia and trim are similar and help protect your home from water intrusion, they’re ultimately completely different things.
- Fascia: Fascia is a horizontal board that is specifically designed to close off the roof cavity. It’s only located on the face of the roof in order to cover the trusses and rafters. Your gutter system gets attached directly to the fascia board.
- Trim: Trim exists to seal the gaps around doors and windows on your home’s exterior. Inside your home, trim can be installed along the top and bottom of walls to seal gaps and add visual appeal.
Think of your fascia as more of an extension of your roof or gutters rather than trim used elsewhere on your home.
4 Different Roof Fascia Materials
Fascia boards can be found in a variety of materials, and it’s usually advised to choose a fascia material that matches your siding so that it blends in seamlessly. It’s up to you if you want the color to be an extension of your roof and gutters or if you want it to match your siding color. The most common fascia board materials are:
- Vinyl
- Wood
- Aluminum
- Composite
1) Vinyl
Vinyl is very popular for fascia boards because it’s also a common siding material in the US. It’s lightweight while also being durable and water-resistant. It also won’t rot or rust, making it very low maintenance. It’s not the most premium material on the market, but homeowners appreciate it for being affordable and simple.
2) Wood
Another common fascia board material is wood. Although, fewer and fewer homeowners are choosing it when it comes time for a replacement because it requires more maintenance to prevent rot. However, wood fascia offers a lot of aesthetic value and can be stained or painted in different colors.
3) Aluminum
Thinking of making the switch to a metal roof? Metal fascia is the perfect pair! Aluminum is very durable and resistant to rot (unlike wood fascia) and is difficult for pests to get through. It can last for roughly 30 years— just keep your eye out for rust!
4) Fiber Cement (Composite)
Fiber cement siding is another siding material that’s quickly growing in popularity, as it’s a durable and stylish composite material. Essentially, composite fascia boards are made from recycled woodchips and sawdust bonded with epoxy resin. If you’re looking for a premium material, fiber cement is a great option. Just keep in mind that it comes with a price to match.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Fascia
Unfortunately, just like your roof, fascia won’t last forever. Be sure to schedule regular roof inspections every 1-3 years and keep your eye out for these signs that it’s probably time to replace your fascia:
- Pests: One of your fascia’s main purposes is to keep out pests. If bugs or critters have found their way in, your fascia isn’t performing as intended and likely requires replacement.
- Cracks or Dents: A bad hail storm or falling debris can cause damage to your fascia. If you notice cracks or dents, call a roofing contractor to take a look.
- Asbestos or Lead Paint: Older homes run the risk of having lead or asbestos paint. If your home’s exterior was painted with these dangerous products, you should call a trained professional to remove it and get new fascia installed.
- Rot or Water Damage: Water damage is every homeowner’s nemesis. Not only is it expensive to fix, but it can cause structural damage and even present health risks as mold develops. If your wooden fascia is rotten or you’ve noticed water leaks inside your home, you should call a professional contractor, as you may need to schedule a full replacement.
Need Help With Your Roof Fascia? Call Level Edge!
We hope this blog helped you understand your fascia more. If you think you’re dealing with a damaged fascia board or you simply want a professional roof inspection to get a clearer idea about your roofing system’s health, reach out to Level Edge Construction & Roofing!
As the top roofing contractor in the greater Twin Cities area, we’re looking forward to helping you with your home.