The importance of soffit and fascia in home construction can’t be underestimated. An integral part of your home’s defense system, these small but mighty roofing components serve practical purposes in safeguarding your home and roof from the elements—and they add a stylish, finished look to your home.
Read on to discover the importance of soffit and fascia, and how you can keep them in great shape so they can ensure your roof delivers high performance for its lifespan.
Soffit and Fascia 101
The Role of Soffits
- Soffit Aesthetics – Soffit boards are located on the span beneath the rafters. They are the underside of your roof eaves. You can see soffits when you are near your house and look up (under your overhang). They don’t contribute to curb appeal (like your asphalt shingles do) and aren’t visible from the street, but their function is vital.
- Soffit Function – Soffit can be vented to help regulate your home’s temperature and allow your roof to “breathe.” Cool, dry air gets drawn into your soffit vents while warm, moist air exits your roof exhaust vents. This circulation through your attic helps extend the lifespan of your roof! It also aids in keeping your attic free from condensation, mold, mildew, and rot. Additionally, soffit help keep insects, birds, bats, and other critters out of your home.
- Soffit Makeup – Soffit can be made of a variety of materials: vinyl, wood, fiber cement, and aluminum.
The Role of Fascia
- Fascia Aesthetics – Fascia is the exposed horizontal board that creates a smooth appearance on a roof’s edge and protects your roofing from the weather. It is visible from the front of your house, adds to curb appeal, and gives a nice finishing touch to your roof components.
- Fascia Function – Your fascia seal your roof edge and work together with other roofing components to protect your home from the elements.
- Fascia Makeup – Fascia are made of vinyl, aluminum, wood, or fiber cement.
Common Issues with Soffit and Fascia
- Wood rot – If soffit and fascia are made of wood, they need to be properly maintained. If they aren’t painted or finished every 6-8 years, they will likely begin to be vulnerable to moisture intrusion. If water invades, wood soffit and fascia will begin to warp or rot. The longer this situation is left unaddressed, the greater the repair cost.
- Moisture penetration – If you don’t keep your gutters clean, they will get clogged with debris and water will pool in them. When water saturates gutters (rather than flowing freely through gutters like it should), it backs up into your fascia. Once moisture permeates your fascia, it can gain entrance to other roofing components, create the need for repairs, and shorten the lifespan of your roof.
- Decreased energy efficiency – If soffit and fascia are made of aluminum, they tend to absorb heat, making your attic and roof hotter than usual, and causing your house’s energy efficiency to decrease. In response, utility bills rise and your HVAC unit will need to work overtime. Its overuse may shorten its lifespan.
- Pest infestation – If your soffit and fascia become compromised, or if they are made of wood but not maintained well, they can open the door to pest infestation in your home.
- Wasp nests – Bees and wasps seem to be attracted to soffits, so keep them from making your home theirs by inspecting your soffit each spring and summer. Knock down any nests you notice.
- Compromised soffit – If cracks or holes appear in your soffit, repair or replace them promptly to keep your house protected from the elements, avoid pest infestation, and keep animals from entering your home.
How Soffit and Fascia Work Together
Together, soffit and fascia are a first line of defense against the elements, keeping precipitation from penetrating your roofing system. They provide protection for your rafters. These two roofing components help lower energy bills. And they create a barrier to keep water from causing rot or decay from damaging your roof’s edge.
How to Maintain Your Soffit and Fascia
Inspect your soffit and fascia at least twice a year for problems, and address any issues early to minimize repair needs.
Benefits of Properly Installed Soffit and Fascia
Your soffit and fascia will do what they were designed to do when they are installed correctly by a reputable contractor (like us!). At Best Choice Roofing, we are recognized by Owens Corning as one of the top 1% of roofing contractors in the country. We are a Platinum Preferred Contractor with Owens Corning, so we can offer you the best roofing products and warranties in the industry, and at a lower price than other roofing companies.
Warning Signs of Improperly Installed Soffit and Fascia
When roofing components are properly fitted, they go the distance. If your soffit and fascia warp, crack, or become damaged, it’s possible they weren’t installed correctly. Don’t waste time or money on the subpar installation of a roofing system. Vet a reliable contractor you can trust to install your soffit, fascia, and additional roofing components with precision so you get the high performance you deserve for your roof’s lifetime.
At Best Choice Roofing, we begin the process with a roof inspection. Our team of experts provide photo and video evidence of any discovered damages and issues on your roof. With full knowledge of your roof’s condition, we initiate your roof replacement.
Protect Your Home with a Reliable Roof
With our precision installation, optimal roofing materials, our Best Choice 5-year Labor Guarantee, and an Owens Corning 50-year warranty, you can rest assured your home is protected. Our in-house financing makes it convenient to get a new roof when you need it without added stress. Learn more about how our roofing services can safeguard your home from the elements and accent its curb appeal.
