Fascia and Soffit: Their Importance to Home Aesthetic and Structure

Roofing contractors of Napa, California, share the important role that fascia and soffit play for your roof and home.

Roof Structure and the Protection Provided by Fascia and Soffit

No one will deny the importance of a good roof for protecting a house, but did you know that the edges and undersides of the roof are almost as important as what is on top? These parts of a roof need to be as resistant to water and the elements as the other parts. They are essential for proper protection against structural damage and to provide adequate ventilation. This article will discuss why these parts of the roof, fascia, and soffit matter.

What are Fascia and Soffit?

Though fascia and soffit are separate parts, they are spoken of together because they literally fit together. Fascia runs at a right angle to the roof, along the edge of the eaves. The soffit is the piece that goes underneath the eaves, parallel to the edge of the roof. They can be made of various types of materials, but they are meant to protect the undergirding roof structure from damage as well as prevent damage to the walls of the home. There are multiple roofing types, but all have similar eaves and function to move water away from the walls and the foundation of the home.

Roofing Materials Used for Soffit and Fascia

As previously stated, there are many different types of roofing supplies, but any reputable roofing company will tell you that it is best to strike a balance between aesthetics, price, and roofing maintenance needs.

There are multiple material options, and these will be discussed below.

• Wood is the old-school or traditional form of fascia and soffit. Aesthetically, it makes for a more rustic look, and due to some regulations, some historic houses require original pieces of siding and soffit or fascia to be replaced with the same material type. Often, these pieces are made of cedar, which is strong and decay-resistant. This is a great material that can be fairly expensive and does need regular maintenance to keep it well.
• Aluminum siding is strong and is often considered a good deal for the money as it takes very little maintenance. Its versatility makes it great for unusual roof styles. It is in the middle range of prices and takes paint well.
• PVC is a lower-cost option that’s durable and lightweight. However, it may not be the right fit for areas with extremely high temperatures, as the phthalates and BPA create unhealthy fumes for the household.
• Vinyl is another plastic type of soffit and fascia, but it is more environmentally friendly and more durable than the slightly cheaper PVC technology. It can take paint but comes in a variety of colors that usually make painting obsolete. The color does not fade or chip the way paint does.
• Cement Fiber is another strong, eco-friendly material that comes in a variety of colors and styles. It does take paint, and this is often done at the end of the manufacturing process, before it is delivered. Since this is a composite material it can be poured and formed into any shape or style.

Obviously, there are many options, and a roofer can help a homeowner determine the best option for them. Does your home need the fascia and soffit replaced? Let’s discuss a few reasons why a roof inspection and roofing replacement might be necessary.

Reasons to Get Fascia and Soffit Replacement

There are several reasons that a home might need new fascia and/or a new soffit. Aesthetics are certainly a part of that, as high winds, thunderstorms, and the like can damage these parts of the roof just as any other part can. No one wants a piece of their roof hanging off the house, but there are more practical reasons as well.

Here are a few of the reasons that roofing repair of fascia and soffit is important.

• Properly installed fascia and soffit protect the home structure against inclement and dangerous weather.
• Fascia and soffit prevent decay and rot that can happen with water damage.
• Properly installed fascia and soffit will be waterproof and prevent some types of roof leaks.
• Soffit, in particular, plays a major role in the ventilation of the attic space
• Proper ventilation increases a home’s energy efficiency.   

The insulating properties of modern fascia and soffit can actually help reduce energy usage and keep the home at a more constant regulated temperature. This provides more comfort and less spending, which is a great combination for everyone in the household.

What To Do If You Think You Need Roof Repair

How do the soffit and fascia on your house look? How recently has your home had a roof inspection? Are leaks lurking in the walls, festering and creating water damage, and leaving mold and mildew to ravage the home structure? These are real concerns. If a homeowner is concerned about their roof, whether it’s the soffit or the fascia, then they should have roofers come out for an inspection. This is true of both residential and commercial roofing.

Soffit and fascia play an important, even essential, role in protecting the stability and structure of the home. Don’t wait until there is an obvious need for roof leak repair to get the roof checked. If water is coming through the ceiling, there may already be extensive damage in the attic space. A damaged soffit can allow water to creep in between the waterproof layers of a roof and the structural wooden layer. This can lead to damage throughout the house.

A loose soffit is perfect for nesting birds, which can fill up the space, reduce ventilation, and potentially allow pests into the attic space. A single call to a reputable roofer may prevent calls to pest control and other experts by getting timely help before a problem develops. If it has been several years since a homeowner has had their roof inspected, it is a good time to have it done before fall and winter weather create greater challenges.

About Modern Method Roofing

Offering free estimates and 100% financing, Modern Method Roofing has been serving the Napa, CA, area for more than 60 years. Call today to ask about senior discounts and our 12-year workmanship guarantee.