Fascia is Available in Various Types of Material and It Serves Several Functions
It would not be surprising if a significant number of homeowners could not identify which area of their home contained the fascia; some might believe that it must be somewhere on the front of the house (because the word sounds like face or facing) while others may be convinced that it is found inside the home – perhaps the front/façade of the kitchen or bathroom cabinets?
Much of this confusion could be due to the fact that the fascia is not as readily visible as the front of the home or any interior cabinetry. The word fascia is Latin in origin, and it refers to a band or strip of material; in architecture, fascia board refers to the band/strip that runs horizontally and covers the exposed ends of the roof rafters or trusses; and the reason that fascia boards are not immediately evident, or not even well-known, to many homeowners is because they are usually hidden by the horizontal sections of the gutters.
Customarily, fascia trim or board is used in conjunction with soffit, which is the material that covers the undersides of the eaves running from the tops of the exterior walls to the outer edges of the roof system Importance.
As part of the overall roof system, fascia serves the following purposes:
- It is used to secure the gutters to the roof and keep them in place
- Blocks water from penetrating the roof deck and into the attic/home
- Increases curb appeal by covering the open/rough ends of the rafters
- Closes off unwanted access to the home by insects, birds, squirrels, etc.
Fascia is typically constructed from one of the following types of material:
- Wood Fascia
- The most common choice due to its affordability
- Primarily constructed from either spruce, pine, or fir
- Because it is not water-resistant, wood is subject to rot
- Must be primed and painted regularly to extend longevity
- Aluminum Fascia
- Can be used as a means of weatherproofing wood fascia
- Pliable – can be bent/wrapped completely around the wood
- Extends the life of wood fascia; installation could be expensive
- Vinyl Fascia
- More accurately defined as polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Standard PVC includes plasticizers for added flexibility
- Fastened to wood fascia to add appeal and increase lifespan
- Unplasticized Vinyl Fascia
- UPVC does not contain plasticizers; is more rigid/more durable
- Requires little maintenance while also enhancing aesthetic appeal
- Weather/chemical resistant; smooth surface permits better water flow
While wood remains the traditional choice of fascia with many home builders, it will need regular painting or staining to prevent wood rot and premature replacement. In recent years, installation of vinyl or aluminum fascia has become more popular, in new home construction as well as upgrades in existing homes; these newer types of materials offer a number of advantages compared to wood fascia, including:
- Minimal or no maintenance
- More durability/extended lifespan
- Better resistance to weather extremes
- Enhanced visual/curb appeal for the home
Based on the importance of fascia in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and its potential long-term cost-savings (vinyl and aluminum), homeowners should regularly inspect and assess its overall condition. This would be applicable for all types of fascia material but particularly in relation to wood construction.
Skilled and Trusted Fascia Installation, Repair, and Replacement Services
Fascia, although perhaps not as readily visible as other parts of the roofing system, plays a vital role in supporting the eavestroughing of a home, as well as enhancing its overall curb appeal and preventing unwanted intrusion by water, insects, or small mammals; as a result, it will be important for homeowners to inspect it on a regular basis and ensure that it is performing at optimal levels.
Should a structural or performance issue be isolated, homeowners would be well-advised to act promptly by contacting an experienced and trusted roofing company, like Integrity Roofers, to prevent any further damage to the fascia, attic, and/or the roof system itself. Integrity Roofers has been providing the highest standard of roofing services, including fascia installation, repair, and replacement, to homeowners in Toronto for over 20 years, and their work is always performed with a steadfast combination of:
- Quality materials
- Quality craftsmanship
- Strong attention to detail
See Soffit Fascia Eavestroughs for additional information on the fascia installation, repair, and replacement services provided by the professionals at Integrity Roofers in Toronto.
If your wood fascia needs repair or replacement or you are interested in the installation of vinyl or aluminum fascia as a replacement or upgrade to wood, call the experts from Integrity Roofers today at 416-736-7373 or contact us for a no-obligation estimate.
