Fascias And Guttering

Fascia Boards

All You Want To Know About Fascia Boards

Get into the World of Fascias 

Many people don’t realize the importance of fascia on the roof, which runs along with the rafter tails at the roof’s edge.

Fascia is an important part of your home’s roofing. It is important to understand why this is so, how the fascia contributes to the overall structure of your roof, and what problems are typically associated with the fascia.

What Is Fascia?

The “fascia” is derived from the Latin word “band” or “bandage,” and both meanings are significant in the context of the purpose of fascia on the roof as a building material.

The fascia is a vertical band under the edge of the roof that is visible from the outside. It forms the termination of the roof to which the gutter is attached. Older houses often have no fascia at all.

Although fascias are usually made of wood, they can also be made of aluminium, vinyl and plastic, which are described in more detail below.

Recently, many homeowners have been opting for aluminium fascia because it requires little maintenance and is very durable and getting new fascia installed when you have guttering installed is what majority of our clients decide to do.

There are more environmentally friendly options as well, such as fascia boards made entirely from recycled materials.

What Is A Fascia Board?

The fascia is the board that is placed where the roof meets the exterior walls of the house and is mostly called the ROOFLINE. However, most people refer to it by the name of the main board that supports the gutter – the attic or fascia.

What is the purpose of the fascia boards?

This type of fascia not only adds to the attractiveness of the fascia board. It also provides essential
protection and functions such as:

Protection from weather and pests

One of the main functions of the fascia is to act as a line of defence, preventing moisture from entering the roof and causing water damage. It also keeps birds, squirrels, insects and other pests from entering the fascia. Installing a drip edge can help protect your roofing by directing water away from the edge.

Supports roofing

The fascia is also responsible for holding necessary roofing materials in place. For example, it holds
gutters and downspouts to the house and ensures that the gutter system can drain water. Roof flashings can also support the bottom row of roof tiles or slates.

Another type of fascia is found on decking projects. As with a roof, fascia is installed just below the surface of a deck and spans the perimeter. The fascia covers the joists and other structures of the patio frame, creating a seamless look that hides rough edges.

Difference Between Soffit And Fascia

When it comes to roofs, you often hear soffit and fascia mentioned together. 

The soffit is a cladding or other material used to cover a portion of the roof extending above the exterior wall. It can be ventilated to help the air circulation in the fascia. 

Together, soffit and fascia cover unsightly parts of the house and protect it from the elements.

Materials Suitable For Fascia Board

There are various types of suitable fascia materials, including:

WOOD FASCIA

Timber fascias are famous throughout Australia because of their affordability and classic appearance.

Wood is the traditional choice for cladding because builders simply reuse the material that was used for roofing. It’s a practical and cost-effective option. 

Treated pine is the most common material that is smooth or available with grooves or patterns. Wood can support a metal or tile roof, as well as steel or PVC downspouts. 

Wood fascia is not waterproof. All types of wood are bound to rot, so you will need to prime and paint your fascia to ensure it stands up to the often harsh Australian weather for many years. 

Wood fascia is easy to replace and repair if they ever become damaged.

VINYL FASCIA

Made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl siding is another cost-effective alternative, but it is much more durable than wood. In addition, it can be installed directly over wood siding to increase durability. It’s also resistant to water, rot, mould, rust and insect infestation, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance.

While vinyl is not as susceptible to warping from the water as wood, it can still expand and shrink due to temperature changes. And it’s important to keep the seal to the house tight.

ALUMINUM FASCIA

Aluminum fascia can also be installed either alone or in conjunction with wood siding because it is easy to shape and bend. However, installation of this durable material usually requires a professional and can be expensive. See our colour chart page to see the colour options

COMPOSITE FASCIA

As the name implies, composite fascia is made of several materials: recycled wood chips, sawdust and plastic bonded together with epoxy resin. It is very durable and protects well, and its colour remains intact over time. However, composites are not as widely used because they can be more expensive and offer fewer colour options.

Should Fascias Be The Same Colour As The Gutters?

No! Not at all, unless the gutters are concealed. 

The fascia is the roof’s part that attracts the most attention, which means it should stand out and contrast with the gutters rather than blend in with them. However, the gutters can also be hidden, and in this case, you can do whatever you want.

How To Replace The Roof Fascia?

Steps to replace the roof fascia

How To Keep A Fascia Board In Good Condition?

Attaching a drip edge can help protect gutters. A drip edge is an L-shaped metal piece that connects to the roofing. It is located under the first shingle layer and directs water away from the fascia board.

Fascia boards should also be considered during your regular roof inspections. For your safety, you should hire a professional roofer to do this. 

Need Help With Your Fascia And Guttering Roof?

Fascia is an important part of the roof that can be easily overlooked. As a result, it is often neglected and left in poor condition. If you’re unsure of the state of your roof or whether you need to have your fascia replaced, contact a professional roofer at AWS Roofing.