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The fascia and soffit are the most critical parts of your roofing system. For many, these are decorative elements that complete the roof’s look. However, they are far more critical than just aesthetics.
What is the Fascia?
Fascia is a material installed on the lower end of the eave rafters. It wraps under your shingles and acts as horizontal support for the lower edge of the bottom row of your shingles. It helps direct rainwater flow directly to the gutters.
What is the Soffit?
The soffit is essentially the finished underside of the overhang of your roof—that is, the finished underside of the part of the roof that extends past the walls of your home. In other words, it is any finishing material used to cover the underside of the roof’s overhang. If your home does not have a roof overhang, it also lacks a soffit.
Why are the Fascia and Soffit Important?
The fascia and soffit play two crucial roles in your home.
✰ Ventilation
The soffit essentially acts as a passive ventilation unit for your attic. The air from the soffit draws heat and moisture away from your home, preventing damp patches on your roof and protecting your roof from rotting.
✰ Protection
The fascia and soffit are barriers against pests like bats, birds, and more. These pests would otherwise nest in the attic and cause damage to your roof and electrical system. They also protect your home from extreme weather, like rain and wind. Finally, they defend your eaves and prevent dirt, debris, and temperature (like snow) from blowing into your roof.
What are the Fascia and Soffit Made Of?
Traditionally, wood and aluminum were used to make these parts of your roofing system. However, synthetics and composite materials like vinyl and UPVC are growing in popularity among homeowners.
These new materials are far more cost-effective, and durable, and also easier to maintain. Furthermore, they are available in a broader range of colors and styles, making it easier to match them to the design and theme of your home. Also, depending on the manufacturer, it may be possible to find soffits and fascia made of recycled materials, which makes these new materials are more environmentally friendly.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation is key to ensuring that the fascia and soffit on your roof system are long-lasting. If your contractor does not install them properly, you risk having to undergo costly repairs in the future.
Make sure that these elements are fully weatherproofed. If this is not done correctly, water can leak through unprotected areas and cause damage because of rotting, mold, or mildew.
One way to ensure that the life span of your soffits and fascia is as long as possible is by periodically cleaning the gutters and checking for any issues. Check for any visual problems, like peeling and other signs of wear and tear. Furthermore, ensure that no insects have made a home in these parts of your home. If you notice any mold or mildew, clean the area thoroughly.
Understanding Fascia and Soffit
The importance of roofing fascia and soffit can never be understated, considering they help protect the roof structure from damage.
Apart from being cost-effective, they have a long life span, which ensures they will not need to be replaced for many years. Therefore, the correct type of fascia and soffit is essential to the overall efficiency of the roof.
If you have any concerns about these parts of your roof or are wondering whether they have been properly installed, contact DKG Roofing at (940) 497-2833 for help. We work with all roofing materials, including tile, shingles, slate, and roll roofing.
We’d love to answer any questions that you might have. We are also available for inspections and any else about your roof.
