What you need to know about the fascia and soffit of your home

You are likely to be aware of your roof, but not all the components. The roof is often overlooked until it becomes a problem or needs to be replaced. Your fascia and soffit protect your roof and provide ventilation for your home. This article will help you understand the importance of fascia and soffit to your home’s structure, safety, and aesthetic.

What is Fascia?

Fascia is the final piece of a roof installation that protects the shingles from moisture. It is also known to be a transition trim between the roofline and the home. Fascia board can come in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures, depending on the style of your home.

The fascia board runs along the roof’s side, under the gutter line. It not only looks great, but it also seals the home against water, animals, and insects.

What is Soffit?

Soffit is a direct translation of the word “fixed beneath”. The soffit is the wood you see underneath the roof’s edge, on the side of your house. The roof’s soffit is an architectural component that is attached beneath the roof’s overhang. The overhang allows water to drain away from your roof when it rains or snows. The soffit is a common component on most homes and it’s the part of your roof that meets your siding. Although it is similar to the fascia but not as prominently visible, the soffit plays an equally important role.

The soffit’s primary function is to allow adequate ventilation through the roof and attic. You can choose from vinyl or wood soffits. They are also available in many styles to fit the home’s aesthetic. Soffits are not only useful in creating ventilation, but also protect the roof from animals, weather elements, and any other unwanted elements.

What’s the purpose of Fascia or Soffit?

The two main functions of the fascia and soffit are to enhance the home’s curb appeal. The most obvious is that they add curb appeal to a home and make it look great from the street. If a roof isn’t maintained properly, it can reduce the value of a home and make it look bad to the neighbors.

Protecting your home is the most important function of fascia and soffit. Water damage can be a serious threat. Properly installed fascia and soffit will help keep water out of your home. Another protection option is to keep wildlife away from the home and out of harm’s way. Birds, bats, raccoons, and other wildlife of all types love little openings in the roofline that allow them to enter homes and feel comfortable at all times of year. Properly fitting fascia and soffit is essential to prevent unwanted houseguests.

How to Maintain Your Home’s Fascia & Soffit

Fascias and soffits come in many materials. While older styles were made primarily of wood, modern designs are using vinyl and PVC. You should inspect wood for insects, dry rot and water damage. It is important to inspect synthetic materials for mold and make sure that any are removed as soon as possible.

Seasonally, check the fascia and soffit joints. You can apply caulk as necessary to keep them sealed and tight. Keep an eye on peeling paint on boards that have been painted and refresh as necessary.

Because soffits are so important in ventilation, it’s imperative that you inspect them for signs of humidity buildup. If you notice a rise in attic temperature, it is worth checking the soffits to make sure nothing is blocking or damaged.

Curb Appeal

Everybody wants their homes to be beautiful from the outside and in. Curb appeal is a key factor in increasing the value of a home and providing enjoyment for those who live there.

It is easy to improve the curb appeal of a home by focusing on its roofline. There are many styles and sizes of fascia and soffit available to suit any style or design. It can be used to disguise parts of your home that are not visually appealing such as the attic ventilation.

How do you find a reliable roofing contractor

It is important to hire a licensed, qualified and recommended contractor when it comes to roof repair and replacement. It is not the right time to save money and give unlicensed handymen a chance.

All your questions will be answered by a professional roofing company. A reputable roofing company will likely be able inspect your entire roof including the fascia.

How to Replace Your Fascia or Soffit

It’s a good idea for fascia and soffit to be closely monitored if they are older than a few years. They are more likely to be made from wood and are susceptible to water damage and rot. It is important to catch problems early so that you don’t have to rush to get help if there is a major infestation or leak in your attic.

A set of fascia or soffit is not guaranteed to last for a certain time. The location of the home, weather conditions and how well they are maintained will all affect their lifespan. A good inspector will inspect the fascia and soffit before recommending replacement.