Fascia board is basically a type of roof trim which is commonly used in houses. Fascia is a term that describes any horizontal surface that spans across the top of columns or across the top of walls. A fascia board is generally used to cap the end of rafters outside a building, which can be used to hold a rain gutter. It is mounted on the exposed ends of rafters or the top of exterior walls to create a layer between the edge of the roof and outside. It not only gives the edge of the roof a smooth and even appearance, it also gives the roof and interior of the building some protection from weather damage.
Fascia boards are fitted to protect the roof space from rain and other harsh natural elements. A well fitted fascia board can save the owner of the building costly repairs to the roof in the future. Harsh rain, heat, wind or acid rain can cause damage. The roof and the portion just beneath it are especially susceptible to damage, and the fascias can provide additional protection against the elements of nature.
Fascia Board vs Soffit
When the edge of the roof is flush with the edge of the roof is flush with the edge of the walls, the fascia board may include soffits for venting, while in other instances, soffits may be hidden under the eave so that it is invisible behind the fascia board. Soffit most often refers to the material forming a ceiling from the top of the exterior house wall to the outer edge of the roof. In other words a soffit bridges the gap between a home’s siding and the roof line, otherwise known as eaves. When so constructed, the soffit material is screwed or nailed to rafters known as lookout rafters, or lookouts for short.
The fascia board also provides a point of attachment for gutters of the house, along with the drains pipes, facilitating drainage from the roof and ensuring that water does not pool around the house during the rainy season. However, fascia boards are susceptible to water damage. Water damage can lead the fascia board to rot, and this rot can spread to the rafters and roofing materials, which is not very desirable. The rots should be controlled as soon as it is seen, or becomes detached, and the fascia board should be replaced. Usually the replacement of the entire Fascia Board is not required. Instead a fresh segment can be cut to replace the damaged one. It needs to be ensured that the seams of the boards meet on a rafter and the board is firmly nailed into place.
Fascia Boards are also prone to damage if they are badly fitted or made of timber. Wood needs routine replacement and often becomes weakened by the weather. A weak fascia board will not provide any protection to the roof, or to the building. This problem can be avoided if uPVC fascia boards are used as they are of the highest quality and give roofs the best protection.