Fascias are long, horizontal boards you install on your roof’s lowest edge; you need to install them where your roof meets your house walls.
Fascias are vital for constructing a roof for several reasons; you cannot have a durable and stable roof without them.
- Fascias support the structure of your roofing system by ensuring that the guttering system and roof tiles are secure.
- They help protect the roof’s overhang and house walls from weather like rain, high winds and snowfall.
- They make the appearance of the house look neater by sealing the gap between the roof trusses and the wall.
- They assist ventilation systems by allowing fresh air circulation across the entire roof, including the roof cavity and roof overhang.
The above list only scrapes the surface of why you need fascias on your roof. Continue reading for more details on the functions of fascia boards. We will also address the fascia board types, how to install them and more.
What Are the Main Functions of a Fascia Board on the Roof Edge?
We detailed some reasons to get fascias above, but there are more details on why they are vital for construction.
Here are the main functions of fascias for the edge of the roof.
Fascia Boards Enhance Aesthetic Appeal By Wrapping Around Roof Rafters
Without fascias, the edge of the roof can look messy and unappealing. Fascias add a neat panel that makes the outline of the roof edge look clean and polished.
Additionally, because you can purchase fascias in multiple materials, like wooden and vinyl fascia, you can choose one that matches your roof’s design. You can also match fascia colours to coordinate your exterior house design.
It Protects the Roof and Walls of the House
Protection is the main reason to get fascias for your roof; you must take every measure to protect your roof and house.
Fascias can protect your house in numerous ways, including:
- Diverting water away from the roof and walls prevents it from leaking through or damaging the roof materials. Fascias can also secure the gutter system to carry water away effectively.
- If water gets into the roof edges, it can cause mould and rot, significantly compromising your house’s structure. You can prevent this by covering the edges with fascias.
- Fascias can also stop pests like mice and insects from entering the gaps below the roof cavity.
What Types of Fascias Are Available in Australia?
Before buying the first fascia board you see, you need to be aware of the available types. Fascia boards can vary in materials and designs.
What Are the Available Fascia Board Materials?
There are multiple fascia materials because they vary in effectiveness and aesthetics; you need to find the one that will fit your roof design and be the most effective for your weather conditions.
Here are some of the available fascia materials:
- Wooden fascia products have a traditional design and look excellent in older houses. However, wooden fascia boards also need consistent maintenance to ensure they are durable; if you don’t maintain wooden fascias, rot can grow and destroy their structure.
- Aluminium fascia products are light, able to resist corrosion, and low maintenance. However, they can intrude on traditional house designs.
- Vinyl fascia products are easy to maintain and can resist weather and rot.
- Fascias made from composite material are durable and aesthetically pleasing because they combine plastic and wood.
How Do Fascias Vary in Design?
As well as materials, you can purchase fascias in numerous designs that complement various home aesthetics; here are some examples:
- Square-edge fascias are straight, so they are perfect for modern roof designs.
- Ogee fascias have a curved design, complementing a more ornate roof.
- Bullnose fascias have rounded edges that look more understated; they are excellent if you don’t want the fascia to be too noticeable.
- Vented varieties have vents to reduce moisture build-up across the roof.
How Do You Install and Maintain Fascia Boards?
Once you have the most suitable fascia and design for your roof, you need to install and maintain it.
What’s the Installation Process for Fascias?
Before installing the fascia board, you must properly prepare the roof; remove old fascia products from the roof line and clean the area.
After this, you must measure and cut the fascia board so it completely covers the outer wall. You then need to secure the fascia to the roof trusses with roofing nails or recommended fixings; this step is essential because poor installation will mean that the fascia won’t be stable or protect from weather.
The final step is to use a high-quality sealant to completely seal the gaps between the fascias and the trusses.
If you are confident installing the fascias yourself, you save money on roofing contractors. However, poor installation can result in massive fascia repair costs.
How Often Do You Need to Maintain the Fascias?
You need to regularly clean and inspect the fascias to avoid damage to the house.
When you clean the fascias, pick up debris like fallen tree leaves and branches so they don’t cause cracks and tears. When you inspect the fascias, you must thoroughly check for damage and wear and tear. You may need to reseal the fascia if you see damage or gaps.
If you see any damage, repair or replace the fascia immediately.
You also need to check the gutter for debris so it can continue to direct water away from the fascia.
What Are the Common Problems Regarding Fascias?
Even when you install fascias properly, damage can still occur (even if it’s less likely). Here is the potential damage you should look for when inspecting your fascias:
- If you don’t maintain wood versions enough, they will be less rot-resistant, so rot can grow and damage your roof’s structure.
- Even though fascias are weather resistant, prolonged exposure to extreme weather events can still damage them. Harsh weather can cause the fascias to warp and crack; you must purchase durable materials to avoid this.
- Some pests, like rats and mice, are persistent, so they will try to gnaw through the fascias multiple times.
How Do You Repair Fascias After You Find Damage?
If you find significant damage to the fascias, you must repair or replace them.
Replacing fascias is very similar to installing them. You need to prepare the area, cut the new fascia board, secure and seal it. You must ensure you cut away all of the damaged fascia before replacing it so you can align the new fascia properly.
If you maintain your fascias often enough, you can repair damage as soon as you see it and avoid replacement.
Final Thoughts on Fascias and Their Significance in Construction
In summary, fascias are an incredibly significant part of a roof that can contribute to aesthetics and protection. Fascias can make your roof look neat and visually appealing and protect from adverse weather like heavy rain.
When you select fascias, you need to choose a material and design. Materials vary in how well they can protect the roof, and designs suit specific roof aesthetics.
Without fascias, the roof’s edge is at risk from weather and pests; installing them can save money and protect your home’s interior.
You can ensure your roof has a long life in many more ways. Read our roofing advice and tips on our blog on Evo Building Products.