Fascia and Soffits

What is the fascia on a building?

Often referred to as the roofline, the long and straight fascia board is the one mounted at the point where the roof meets the outer walls of the house. However, it is best known as the fascia as it is the name of the main board carrying the gutter. Bridging the gap between the rafters and often even supporting the bottom row of tiles, Fascia boards are attached to the lower ends of the roof trusses,

As well as this, fascia gives your home a clean, tidy and stylish finish. The fascia supports the last row of tiles or other roofing materials as well as supporting the guttering.

Benefits of Fascia

• Reduce the maintenance of your roofline
• Improve the overall look of your home.
• Protect your home from harsh weather conditions.
• Prevent animals from nesting in your roof. By concealing any possible entrances in your
roofing, it can also stop birds from nesting in your roof or hibernating during the winter.

What are Soffits?

Most commonly used in the main roofing area as well as under porches and under stairs, the French word ‘soffit’ translates to meaning ‘something fixed underneath’. There are many different materials used to create soffits including fibres, cement, steel and wood. Soffits have impressive resilience which make them impervious to rotting or warping, withstanding severe weather conditions. Unlike wooden variants, PVC Soffits won’t need re-painting.

Benefits of Soffits

The soffit serves two purposes on a roof, helping with the look of the roof as well as protecting the rafters from severe weather conditions. Without soffits, the rafters would rot over time and allow mould into the house, posing complex and expensive problems related to damp. Soffits are also part of the airflow of a house as they come in vented varieties, circulating air around the house whilst limiting the moisture that can get through, preventing damp problems.

UPVC Soffits are more affordable than metals such as aluminium and steel, has better insulating properties and don’t rot. They also come in a wide range of finishes and colours to fit in with the desired look you want for your roof. Plastic is also water resistant, meaning that plastic soffits are especially well suited to areas suffering from high moisture as well as being easy to clean.

What are the differences between Fascia and Soffits?

The fascia is the exposed horizontal band you see at the end of the rafters whereas an exterior soffit is located on the span beneath the rafter tails. As well as adding visual interest, these features help to give your home a finished look. Both soffits and fascias serve practical purposes protecting your house as well as adding a finished and aesthetically pleasing look to the roof. When planning your roof, never forget to include these essential elements.

For more information about Fascia and Soffits or to get a free no obligation quote, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team of experts today who will be more than happy to help you out.