Your roofing system is made up of a variety of components that work together to protect your home from the elements. Its fascia are the horizontal boards that are located right behind your gutters and cover the entire length of your exterior. They are made of either wood, vinyl, composite material, fiber cement, or wood covered in aluminum.
Fascia creates a finishing touch to your exterior that adds to your home’s curb appeal and its protection. Read on to gain understanding about their vital function and how to maintain them properly to keep your roof healthy.
What You Need to Know About Fascia Boards to Keep Your Exterior in Tip-Top Shape
What Are Fascia Boards?
As the horizontal boards that contribute to the finishing touch to your roofing system, fascia boards—also called “face boards”—add beauty to your exterior. Fascias are designed to keep water and critters out of your house and attic. Vented fascias (ideal for homes without soffits) also allow air to get into your attic, contributing to the health of your roof. By providing the intake air that flows through the attic and out your roof vents, they contribute to the longevity of your roofing system. Your gutters attach to your fascia boards, which are adjacent to your soffits.
How Do Your Home’s Fascia Boards Help Your Roofing System?
Fascia boards keep precipitation from entering your roof, attic, and walls. If water invades, your roof will suffer damage and need to be repaired or replaced sooner. Fascias provide structural support to the lower edge of your roof and add to its stability.
Why Is Maintaining Your Fascia Boards So Vital to Protecting Your House?
Moisture is your exterior’s enemy, and when it penetrates, trouble cascades and multiplies over time. If your home’s fascia boards start to show signs of moisture damage or wear and tear, it’s essential that you have them repaired or replaced. If water penetrates them, you’ll notice signs like rot, deterioration, and mold growth. Promptly addressing these issues is vital to the health and longevity of your roofing system.
What Causes Fascia Boards to Falter?
Fascia issues can be caused by their age, the vulnerabilities of their makeup, damage from storms, or penetration by uninvited critters. Raccoons, rats, and squirrels are often the perpetrators if fascia suffers animal damage. They gnaw the fascia to gain access to your attic, and endeavor to make your home theirs. The resulting water damage and wood rot create the need for fascia repairs or replacement.
Fascia Board Upkeep Made Simple
1. Know the Makeup of Your Fascia
The type of maintenance needed for your fascia will be directly impacted by what they are made of.
- James Hardie Fiber Cement – Made of cement, sand, and cellulose, these durable fascia boards are weather, fire, and pest resistant. They will last longer than other materials and require less maintenance.
- Wood – These fascia boards will need higher upkeep because wood readily absorbs water if it isn’t properly sealed.
- Composite – Made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, these durable fascia boards are weather resistant and require less maintenance than other materials.
- Vinyl – These fascia boards are made of high-quality plastic and are resistant to moisture and pests, so they need lower maintenance.
2. Inspect Your Fascia Regularly
Each spring, fall, and after major storms, walk around your home and do a visual inspection of your exterior’s major components — including your fascia! Look for cracks, peeling paint, rot, or warping. Pay attention to where your fascia meets your roof and gutters to ensure there are no gaps or damage.
3. Clean Your Fascia
Fascia boards are part of what makes up your home’s curb appeal, so keeping them clean adds value to your property. Clean them along with your siding once or twice a year. Or, for your safety, hire someone to do this. It’s an investment in your exterior’s longevity. By removing dirt and any buildup, your home will stay in pristine condition.
4. Repair Your Fascia in a Timely Fashion
If fascia shows signs of damage, contact a reputable roofer to have them assess the needed repairs and do them promptly. The longer you leave faulty fascia, the more damage you’ll have to address.
5. Keep Your Gutters in Tip-Top Shape
Gutters are attached to your fascia. If they become clogged, they may get heavier than usual and start to pull away from your fascia, causing damage. When you have your gutters replaced, hire a professional to install them so you don’t incur water damage on your fascia boards. Gutters need to be securely attached and properly sloped so water can be channeled through them and away from your home. Proper drainage protects your fascia and your roof decking from water damage, extending the life of your roof!
6. Have Gutter Guards Installed
Gutter guards keep debris, leaves, and twigs out of your gutter system. This helps prevent them from getting clogged up and overflowing onto your fascia. When water overflows gutters, fascia risks warping, rotting and more. You’ll contribute to the lifespan and integrity of your fascia boards with gutter guard installation.
Get an Attractive Weather-Resistant Roofing System to Protect Your Home
Each component of your roofing system should be in top shape to ensure your home is protected from the elements. If your fascia or other roofing features show signs of damage, it’s wise to have your roofing system inspected by a reliable team to determine if repairs or replacement is the best next step.
At Keeter Roofing & Remodeling, we provide timely estimates, transparent pricing, and exceptional value without compromise—fostering trust in our business practices. Our roof replacements are second to none, and as an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we adhere to the latest industry standards and technology. We’re in good standing with the BBB and are dedicated to premium customer service and craftsmanship. Learn more about how our roofing services can fortify your exterior.
