Fascia board is not something many homeowners are familiar with even though it does play quite an important role in your roofing system. A fascia board perfectly compliments the roof, and it is responsible for providing protection to your home from harsh weather elements.
In this blog, we will talk about what a fascia board is, and when to replace a fascia board so that it can continue to play a part in protecting your home.
What Is A Fascia Board?
A fascia board is a broad plank or a band covering the area beneath the roof. This is a type of board that is laid vertically under the edge of your roof. Fascia is attached to the lower end of the rafters, and it runs along the entire roof edge and exterior walls of your home.
The Purpose Of Fascia Boards
How important are fascia boards? The fascia is the last row that supports the bottom section of a roofing tile or shingles. Besides that, a fascia is also used to anchor gutters to your home. Gutters are essential to keep your home protected from water damage, and fascia boards keep your entire roof structure sturdy and functioning correctly.
Fascia boards are used for protection from interior and exterior water damage by preventing water penetration. The fascia boards must also be able to support gutters properly. This does not just affect your house; it is intended to keep a residential roofing system in a healthy state. Often fascia boards provide a decorative value and give roofs an attractive appearance, as they cover all exposed trusses and open ends. Fascia boards can increase your curb appeal and property value.
Roof fascia is often mentioned in close association with another component, soffits. The fascia board is installed above the soffits.
Image Source: greenlivingca.com
Fascia Materials
Which materials are suitable for your fascias? Fascia boards are often short pieces of wood, and many different types are available. Some of the common materials used are pine and cedar, although many others are great options as well. Composite wood can be resistant to water and is one of the more effective materials available. It is also possible to find fascia boards that can be produced in a wide selection of plastics, like PVC. This product also has more resistance to water and temperature fluctuations, as it resists shrinking and swelling at temperature changes it is unlikely that it will bend over time.
When To Replace Your Roof Fascia?
The fascia board helps protect against water damage and other structural issues, but it may need to be replaced in certain situations. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to replace fascia boards:
Rotted Gutters
Since the gutters are attached to the fascia board, they can affect the condition of the fascia. If the gutter systems are clogged, they will not be able to keep the water away effectively. When gutters overflow, the consequences may also impact the fascia board. The moisture will lead to the rotting of the fascia, and you may experience mold or mildew growing along the fascia board.
Cracks In Board
If you see cracks in your fascia board, it could be a sign that the wood is rotting or that is has suffered other damage. Constant changes in the temperature can also cause your fascia board to develop cracks. If it is not replaced, these cracks will only get worse and eventually lead to the entire fascia board falling off your house.
Discoloration
Fascia boards are not only for protecting your home from excess water, but they have an aesthetic purpose as well. This is why fascia boards are available in a variety of colors. Over time, the paint on your fascia boards can peel away, giving an unsightly appearance.
Discoloration is one of the first signs that you should replace your fascia board. If your fascia board has a discolored area, it means that it’s been exposed to moisture for an extended period of time, and it’s likely to rot away.
Pest And Animal Attack
There are many animals that can sit on your roof and damage it. These can include birds, cats, or any other type of pest. If you notice that your fascia board is damaged by pests or other animals, it’s time to replace it.
If you see holes, or if the wood looks like it’s been gnawed on by something, that’s a sign that the fascia board needs to be replaced. If you don’t replace it quickly, your home can become exposed and be at risk of further damage. If you notice any damage to the fascia board, it is important to have it replaced as quickly as possible.
Is Replacement Enough?
It might not be necessary to just repair the fascia if it’s been damaged. It is crucial that a roof replacement is done for any underlying issue which caused the damaged fascia. For instance, a gutter can clog and the fascia board can be damaged by standing water. Until you fix the gutter system, the fascia will continue to deteriorate rapidly. If you notice damage to your fascia boards, it is best to have your entire roof inspected for damages. Finding a problem quickly can save you money in the long run.
Top Fascia Board Materials On The Market (2022)
In the above section, we shared the important signs that you need to look out for in your fascia board. If your fascia boards need to be replaced, the next step is to determine which material will best protect your home. Many of you may be surprised that wood is not the only material available, and there are some other great options that you should consider. Let’s take a look at them.
Wooden Fascia Boards
The most popular material for fascia boards is wood, and it is one of the least expensive options available. It’s a great choice if you want to get a budget-friendly and natural look. However, without proper maintenance, wood may not last as long as other popular materials. Wood is susceptible to rot and mold growth as well, and needs proper maintenance to function properly. These limitations have allowed other options to become more popular over the years.
Vinyl Fascia
Vinyl fascia boards are made from PVC, a versatile material that is easy to work with and can be colored to match your home’s exterior. Vinyl is another low-cost and effective material available. Vinyl is a very popular choice for fascia boards because it’s affordable, easy to maintain, and comes in many different colors. It’s also strong and durable, and can protect your roof from outside elements such as rain, hail, snow, and more.
Aluminum Fascia
Aluminum fascia boards are very durable and will last a long time. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and can be used in many different applications. But aluminum fascia boards are also expensive, not good for wet areas, like bathrooms or kitchens, and may corrode over time. Because of its high cost, aluminum is typically only used in areas that get a lot of wear or, where there’s rain or snow on a regular basis
Aluminum fascia boards have a great look that can be complemented by adding wood trim around the edges of your home’s roofline.
Cost To Install Or Replace A Fascia Board
Most homeowners are using wood fascia boards to keep their roofs and home protected from water damage. The cost will be determined by the material you choose, and the size of your home. It is best to speak with a roofing contractor about all your options and make sure you are choosing the right material and color for your home.
What Is The Cheapest Fascia Board?
Wood veneer boards cost $1 to $3 per linear foot. Composite fascia boards can be found at prices between a dollar and $8 per inch in width. Vinyl fascia boards vary in price from five to eight lbs. per square foot. Aluminum fascia boards cost $8-$20 per square foot.
Want To Replace Your Fascia Board?
We know it can be tough if your roofing system or other components such as fascia or gutters are damaged. If you notice any damage, it is important to have it repaired as quickly as possible.
If you want help with roof replacement services, then make sure you contact the team at Champion Exteriors. We are the best roofing company serving in the South Jersey area. Our team has expertise in not only roofing, but many home exterior services as well. Give us a call at (609)-845-3576 and find out how we can help you today!