We get this question all the time: What are fascia boards?
Apart from your roof, there is an attractive board along the overhang of your roofline, giving it a clean, finished look – it’s called the fascia board. Your gutters are mounted to your fascia boards and today, we will give you the low down on fascia boards!
Here’s is what all homeowners should know!
First, what are Fascia Boards and Soffit?
Deriving from the Latin word meaning “band or strip of material,” fascia boards in terms of your house is essentially a horizontal, often wooden board, that serves as a cover to exposed roof trusses and roof rafters on the lower edge where the rooftop and the wall meet.
Soffits are the material beneath the eave that joins the far edge of your roof to the wall. While related, there two can be confused at the same when they are different roof components.
Because the gutters leave the fascia board hidden, most homeowners do not know they even exist! However, if you are considering getting new gutters, you want to make sure your fascia boards are in working order!
Everything you need to know about Fascia Boards!
What is the Purpose of a Fascia Board?
The fascia board is a crucial component of your roof as it serves as the last line of support for the lower ends of your roof shingles and tiles. They really do all the work in that regard!
Fascia boards also help secure and anchor all the guttering on your roof, stops unwanted pests from getting in your attic, serve as the line of defense against leaks and moisture in your roof deck and internal roofing structure, boost curbside appeal in their role to cover rough edges and ends of roof rafters. A fascia board is very much a lifesaver!
Cost to Install or Replace a Fascia Board
Having a fascia board installed, on average will range from $6 to $20 per foot, while soffit installation reflects about $ 1 to $3 on average per foot.
Keep in mind some variables will influence the final cost, such as different types of materials and its supply and demand, installation process, and level of expertise needed to name a few. Most contractors will price fascia board replacement as follows:
- Minimum of eight-foot sections
- Wood replacement is rare, but often PVC material used instead of wood fascia
- If you use wood fascia board it must be painted or wrapped in aluminum
Fascia Materials
There are different types of fascia materials on the marketplace, but the most common materials include but are not limited to:
Wooden fascia boards
- Generally made out of spruce, pine, cedar, or fir wood, these are the most popular material among homeowners due to their cost-effectiveness.
- Not water resistant; fascia damage -> wood rot due to built-up moisture. It needs to be primed and painted to protect structural integrity seasonally. The best thing is to actually wrap the boards in aluminum.
Vinyl fascia boards
- Also denoted as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), this material will protect your home against water, rot, and pests and is often used with wooden fascia to both enhance curb appeal but also help it become more durable.
Composite fascia boards
- While not commonly used in the marketplace among homeowners, composite fascia is known for its durability, variety of colors and designs, and resistance to pests, rot, and water.
- They are also generally made of epoxy resin, plastic, recycled wood chips, and bonded sawdust.
What Is Fascia Trim?
Installed below the roofline, fascia trim covers the edges of windows, doors, and soffit and contributes to curbside appeal on behalf of your roof and its eaves, giving it a clean, finished appearance.
Trim is often used as fascia, interchangeably, therefore getting the term “Fascia trim”, but while these both have similar processes, they are two different things! Fascia has one designated location where trim can be used in more than one (doors, windows, etc.).
Do I need to replace my fascia before the gutters?
In some cases, if you get a full roof replacement or new gutters, it may be worth replacing all of your fascia boards, depending on their age and condition. If your fascia boards are in great shape, you can simply install the new gutters right on them.
Sometimes, there may be a section or two that needs to be replaced prior to installing new gutters. You cannot install new rain gutters on compromised fascia trim.
Use our Gutter Calculator!
Easily estimate the cost of what new gutters will cost for your home!
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Estimate Total Footage
Estimate the linear distance in feet for your gutters and also your downspouts!
- You can use Google Maps to search for your home and use the measuring tool to measure your home, or simply use rough estimates (if the front of your home is 40' across and there is one long gutter, you can estimate that at 40').
- Downspouts are usually 13 feet for a one-story home and 23 feet for a two-story home. Count the number of downspouts you have in your home currently.
Remember, this is just an estimate; the final total will be calculated when our install team measures for materials.
Estimate Total Footage
Estimate the linear distance in feet for your gutters and also your downspouts!
- You can use Google Maps to search for your home and use the measuring tool to measure your home, or simply use rough estimates (if the front of your home is 40' across and there is one long gutter, you can estimate that at 40').
- Downspouts are usually 13 feet for a one-story home and 23 feet for a two-story home. Count the number of downspouts you have in your home currently.
Remember, this is just an estimate; the final total will be calculated when our install team measures for materials.
Would you like to add gutter protection?
You can select from one of two options for gutter protection, affordable OR self-cleaning (no maintenance required).
Estimate the total amount of gutters (do not include the downspouts). Remember, this is just an estimate; the final total will be calculated when our install team measures materials.
Final Cost
The final estimated price is :
Summary
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Protect your home: Where can I find a professional exterior contractor to help?
If you need a fascia installation on your home or want to check to see if yours is in healthy condition for the long run, feel free to contact us, and we will be more than welcome to point you in that direction!
You can find a professional roofer by searching online or reaching out here. It is always recommended to stay local to adjust to your home’s context and always put the numbers in your favor to price match and see which offers the best services!
What’s the Verdict?
Many homeowners are not privy to what fascia boards are and the role they play for your roof; however, that doesn’t subtract its value it adds one bit! Beyond what meets the eye, fascia boards come in a type of different materials and play an integral part in propping up your gutter system as their significant role, among other things.
If you are amid a complete roof replacement or looking to spruce up your roof for the upcoming season, make sure your fascia boards are in good condition. Need some help? Contact us, and we will be glad to assist!
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