What Are Fascias and Soffits? Why They’re Essential for Your Home

When you look up at your roofline from ground level, you might not think much about what goes into it, but each component plays an essential role in keeping the roof both strong and looking attractive. Two key features of your roofline are the fascias and soffits — so what are they, and why are they essential?

What Are Fascias and Soffits?

A fascia is a long, straight board directly below the lower edge of the roof. They’re attached to the ends of the roof trusses to support the weight of the tiles or other roofing materials, and they also support the weight of the guttering.

A soffit, on the other hand, runs horizontally between the bottom of the fascia and the wall, allowing it to be seen clearly from ground level. They play the dual role of sealing the eaves and providing ventilation for the roof space.

Traditionally, both fascias and soffits were made of wood, which could easily become worn or rotted by exposure to the weather. Nowadays, however, the best fascias and soffits are made of uPVC, which can be finished to look like wood but are much more resistant to the elements.

Why Is It Vital That Fascias and Soffits Work Properly? 

Because fascias support the guttering, they play a vital part in ensuring that the rain falling on your roof is safely channelled through the downpipes into the drains. Without this, you can end up with unsightly damp streaks down the outside of the walls, or else water pooling on the ground and getting into the foundations.

The fascia and soffit combination provides a seal that keeps water from seeping into the roof space. This could rot the timbers, causing structural damage, or result in mould growing, which is a health hazard.

At the same time, the structure of the soffit keeps the roof space well ventilated. Without this, condensation inside could create the same issues as water ingress.

How Do You Know That Your Fascias and Soffits Need Repair?

Compared with missing tiles or broken guttering, repairing fascias and soffits may not seem the highest priority. As we’ve seen, though, the consequences of leaving them damaged could be substantial. Not to mention that keeping them in good repair will increase your home’s kerb appeal.

Peeling paint or sagging gutters are tell-tale signs from the outside, while signs of rot or insect infestation could be evidence in the roof space. On the other hand, it’s best not to wait for evidence of damage. If you have regular inspections by expert roofers, ideally before and after winter, you can catch issues before they become a problem.

Give Empire a call to find out how we can keep your fascias and soffits doing their vital work for your roof.