What is a Fascia Board?

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Fascia on a roof is the horizontal board that you’ll find just below the edge of your roof.  The main function of fascia is to provide support for the lower edge of the roof tiles or shingles and to protect the underlying structure from water damage.  It also acts as a barrier against pests and prevents them from entering your attic or crawl space.

Properly installed fascia plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of your roof by preventing moisture buildup and rotting.  Additionally, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home by giving a finished look to the eaves area.  When fascia is installed correctly, it ensures proper drainage and ventilation, prolonging the lifespan of your roof materials.  Overall, investing in properly installed fascia offers long-term benefits for both functionality and aesthetics of your roof.

The fascia board is directly behind the gutter on your house. It is the board the gutter system mounts to and is in a horizontal location near the eave where the water runs off.  Sometimes the fascia board can be confused with the rake board which runs in a gable.

Is a Fascia Board the Same as a Soffit?

The fascia board is not the same as the soffit. The soffit mounted horizontally underneath the eave or the overhang.  It closes off the bottom of the rafter tails whereas the fascia board covers the end of the rafter tail.

What is a Fascia Board Made Out Of?

A fascia board is usually made out of wood.  However, in some commercial applications it can be made out of steel or aluminum.  In a residential setting, it is made out of wood and cladded with aluminum and vinyl siding application.  Sometimes there will be a concrete plank that is applied.  Composite fascia boards are generally uncommon.  Most of the time, they are going to be made out of wood. V inyl fascia boards are a common misconception.  Usually when someone refers to a vinyl fascia boards they are referring to vinyl siding. They are all usually made out of wood and the other materials are placed over top.

What Causes a Fascia Board to Rot?

Roof Installation and Architecture Problems

Fascia boards begin to rot primarily because the roof was installed incorrectly.  It may also be because the roof is old, or because it has been damaged.  If mold, mildew, or algae grows on your roof, it can attract sunlight and cause the overall temperature of your home and roof to increase.  Over time, this destroys your shingles which can allow water inside your home and around your fascia boards depending on where the shingles were damaged. If this occurs, we recommend calling a professional who is equipped to eliminate organic material from your roof.  Poorly designed architectural design or damaged or misplaced shingles can allow water to flow against walls and run down causing damage.

Gutter Issues

Gutters mounted on the fascia board wrong can cause water damage for a few reasons.  Gutter seams, corner miters, and end caps can allow water to pass through. If the gutter is clogged, water can overflow.  If a gutter can’t contain the amount of water coming from a high volume area, water won’t be contained.  Gutters are designed so that when water overflows it goes off the front side.  This is because the gutter is lower on the front.  Even so, some water still ends up running down the front of the end of the gutter onto the fascia board. 

Clogged Downspout or Underground Drain

Clogged downspouts will also cause the gutter to overflow resulting in water damage to the fascia board.  Usually the downspout is clogged with leaves and debris. Sticks and larger objects get stuck in the downspout which can cause smaller items to get clogged.  Unexpected items such as tennis balls, golf balls, and other objects can get stuck in the gutter causing it to back up instantly.  Underground drains can also clog, especially if they were installed in a more level fashion not allowing the water to flow.

Does a Rotten Fascia Board Have to Be Replaced?

Rotten fascia boards have to be replaced.  This is your first defense in making sure water doesn’t get to your overhangs and walls.  It needs to be addressed so the water doesn’t get to the main foundation of your home.  Fascia boards may look like ordinary trim that finishes off the front of your roof edges, but they’re also an integral part of any well-built roofing system. They help prevent the outdoor elements from entering your attic and causing damage.  But what do you do if you see some sections of your fascia rotting?

The fascia boards aren’t just a layer of protection between the roof’s edges and the outdoors, they also carry your home’s entire gutter system.  If some sections of your fascia boards are rotting, it can often be a sign that water has infiltrated and caused damage to their structural integrity.  This is often due to poor workmanship when the drip edges or gutters were installed, but it can also be caused by neglecting routine maintenance for your roof and gutter system.

Preventing Future Damage

Of course, regular care and maintenance is the best solution to keep your fascia free of damage.  But you should also make sure that your gutters are clean as well to prevent clogs that cause water pooling and damage to your fascia boards. As an added measure to keep your gutters clog-free, consider having gutter guards  installed.  This makes gutter cleaning much less tedious as you won’t have to worry about leaves and debris clogging up the system.

How to Prevent Your Fascia Board From Rotting

A good seamless gutter system combined with proper roof installation will help prevent your fascia board from rotting.  Using the right type of fasteners will also help.  One big problem is when the gutters start to pull away because the wrong nails or fasteners were used.  When this happens, the water runs off behind the gutter and ricochets onto the fascia board.  This is one of the most common reasons for rotting due to water. 

Treated Wood or Sealant

Make sure the wood is treated with sealer or painted.  The fascia board is going to get wet from time to time so it needs to be protected.  Sealing the wood can act as a barrier until you are able to inspect your gutters to make sure they are functioning properly.

Check Your Fascia Board While Cleaning Your Gutters

You should periodically check your gutter system throughout the year to ensure it isn’t getting damaged.  It is recommended that you clean your gutters 2-3 times per year.  When you are cleaning your gutters you can inspect your fascia board and the gutters to ensure the seams and corners are healthy and functional.