What Are Soffits And Fascia And Why Are They Important For Your Home Renovation?

Although most houses in the United States feature soffits and fascia, many homeowners are unaware of them or what they are for. That's probably because they aren't the most fascinating features of your home, and if you noticed them at all, you may have assumed they were there to provide your roof eaves a finished appearance.

However, these architectural elements are in fact crucial elements that can assist prevent problems such as insect infestations, major roof damage, moisture damage concerns like wood rot and utility bills going through the roof, and other issues. When your soffits and fascia have been damaged, they can no longer safeguard your property.

Oregon homeowners with concerns about the condition of their roofline will often ask us about the soffits and fascia boards. Here are a few helpful facts to better understand what these material are, and what role they play in the structure of your house.

The Difference Between Fascia and Soffits

Your trim boards, also known as soffits and fascia, are integral parts of the roof structure and play a vital role in keeping your home free of moisture, pests and other elements that can cause serious damage.

The fascia board is the horizontal trim board that is attached to the ends of your rafters. It provides support for your gutters and assists in keeping water away from your home's exterior while also providing a finished appearance.

The soffit is the horizontal board that runs along the underside of your roofline and is typically vented to allow air to circulate and prevent moisture buildup in your attic space. Damaged or missing soffits can lead to serious problems such as wood rot, mold growth, and pest infestations.

Both of These Items are Both Necessary and Important for The Protection of Your Home

Hot air rises, and as a result, your attic or crawl space becomes full of warm, humid air. Soffit vents provide the circulation needed to get rid of this excess heat and humidity. Without proper ventilation though, moisture seeps into the wood of roof rafters- promoting growths such as wood rot that cause serious damage by decaying rafters.

A soffit replacement may be required due to degradation or damage. This can result in serious structural issues that might affect the entire house. A compromised soffit can also lower energy efficiency, causing your utility bill to rise by forcing your HVAC system to work harder as a result of the hot air that cannot escape from your attic.

Fascia boards seal off the edge of your roof, which prevents water and animals from getting underneath shingles and into your attic. They also provide support for your gutters, which helps to ensure that they are properly installed and functioning as they should be.

If the fascia board is rotted or missing, it can cause your gutters to become loose, which can lead to serious problems such as water damage to your home's exterior and foundation. In some cases, a rotted or missing fascia board can also cause your gutters to detach from your house entirely.

It is important to have both soffits and fascia inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good condition and not in need of replacement.