When it’s time for a new roof, shingles tend to get all of the attention. However, there are a few key components of a roof that deserve a bit more credit than they usually receive – including roof fascia, which is the flat, vertical finishing edge that covers the end of the rafters. Fascia is a key architectural element that, along with soffits, provides a significant source of protection from pests and decay. Plus, it enhances your home’s curb appeal.
What Is Fascia?
If you look up at your roof, you’ll likely see a board running along the roofline – almost a trim of sorts. That board is your roof’s fascia, which acts as a finishing edge that connects the ends of your roof’s rafters and trusses. These boards serve several important functions:
- Fascia holds your gutters in place, which is essential to protecting your home from water damage.
- Fascia keeps unwanted visitors like squirrels and birds out of your attic.
- Fascia boards prevent rain and snow from blowing into your home’s eaves.
- Fascia disguises your attic’s ventilation.
- Fascia boards help create an attractive, smooth appearance along the roof’s edge.
Maintenance
Like any component of your home’s exterior, you should have your fascia inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. Generally, inspections can be conducted annually, although older homes may require a bit more upkeep. Maintaining your boards can be as simple as an annual cleaning – try a quick once-over with a bleach solution, which is great for treating and preventing mold. However, you may need to touch up your fascia every now and again. Whether that means repainting or resealing the boards or adding caulk in any gaps, regular maintenance is an important step in keeping your home free of excess moisture and sneaky pests. Regular gutter cleaning is also an important part of fascia maintenance. If water or debris backs up in your gutter, it can severely damage the adjoining materials.
Installation
Yes, fascia boards have important physical functions – but they also play a role in your home’s curb appeal. Fascia boards are available in a wide variety of materials including wood, vinyl, plastic, and aluminum. New construction projects involving fascia boards will usually require mounting with either aluminum or fiber cement, both of which are extremely durable. Although there are countless options on today’s market, finding a quality product should be simple. Keep an eye out for fascia boards with a strong warranty, resilient materials, and minimal maintenance. You can also ask for waterproof options if you live in an area with volatile weather conditions.
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Once you’ve decided on fascia that suits your home, budget, and lifestyle, make sure the boards are installed correctly. Your roofing professional can help you understand the installation timeline and ongoing maintenance requirements. Proper, professional installation is key to maintaining your roof’s integrity for years to come.
If you’re still asking yourself, “What is fascia?” – or you’re planning to add soffits or other elements to your roof – contact the experienced professionals at Taylor-Made Roofing to explore your options and schedule installation. With over 20 years of residential and commercial roofing experience, you can count on us to provide high-quality, reliable roofing services. Plus, we stand by our work with a strong warranty that will provide you with peace of mind. For more information, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online for a free quote.