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Fascia boards are long, typically wooden, boards that cover the edge of the roofline. They are perpendicular to the roof, and the shingles slightly hang over the boards. These boards are found on your home’s rakes and eaves. Eaves are the lower edges of your roof that run parallel to the ground. Rakes are the slanting edges of the roofline. The fascia is secured to your home’s rafters using an inner sub fascia board and an outer fascia board. If your home has gutters, the gutters will attach to the outer fascia boards on the eaves, the horizontal parts of the roofline.
As a side note, soffits are the “ceiling” boards of your roof overhang. These are the areas where your roof extends past your house. Ever stand under your porch or roof overhang during the rain to stay dry? That little ceiling above you is made up of pieces of soffit. Some soffit systems are entirely enclosed. However, others have small, perforated holes and act as intake ventilation for your attic space.
Fascia, similar to siding, can come in many different materials. Most fascia is wooden. However, you can also find aluminum, PVC, vinyl, or composite board fascia. Some homes with wooden fascia will also have an aluminum wrap or band covering the fascia to protect it from wood rot.
What is the Purpose of Fascia on a House?
The main purpose of fascia is to keep water out of your home and attic space, acting as the seal along the roof edge. Fascia also acts as a protective barrier against pests like squirrels and birds that may want to nest in your attic space. Lastly, fascia acts as the board or wall to which gutters attach. The fascia runs along the roofline, joining the ends of trusses and rafters. It holds your gutters in place and can affect the overall look of your property. It’s important to keep it in good condition to avoid moisture-related issues inside and outside your home.
Why Do Fascia Boards Rot?
The fascia boards are the vertical boards that cover the ends of rafters and are usually where gutters are mounted. They are typically made of wood (though they can also be made of composite, vinyl, or fiber cement, among other materials), which makes them vulnerable to rotting. While there are other factors that contribute to rot, two of the most common are improper installation of gutters and drip edges. The latter being the type of flashing installed at the roof’s edge. Poor installation can leave holes or cracks in the fascia that exposes the bare wood to moisture, which can later result in rot. Lack of maintenance can result in blistered and peeling paint on the fascia boards, which can also expose the boards to moisture.
What Happens When You Have Rotten Fascia Boards?
Rotten fascia boards can directly affect your gutters. Most types of gutter systems are fastened to the fascia, and if the boards are rotten, the gutters are at a higher risk of falling off the roof. This problem can also create openings in the roof where rainwater can get into the attic, through the walls, and down to the house foundations.
