CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job
Functions of a Fascia Board
In addition to supporting the structure of a roof, the purpose of a fascia board is to keep moisture out of the system. It also provides a clean, finished look to the edge of the roof. On top of that, the fascia is known to be behind a strong and sturdy gutter system. During heavy rainfall, the fascia carries the weight of the gutters and the high volume of water it holds. The gutter system is likely to sag when the fascia is in bad shape, causing the water to spill over to the side and pool near the foundation of the home. Along with the soffits, the fascia board also helps keep birds, squirrels and other pests out of the roof.
When it comes to designing a fascia board, wood perhaps is the most common selection, though PVC, fiber cement, aluminum and vinyl can also be used. A fascia board can be bull-nosed, square-edged, or laid flat directly onto a wall or flat roof.
Causes of Fascia Rot
The most common reasons for fascia rots are improper installation of drip edges and gutters, which are both meant to direct water away from your home. The drip edge is installed at the edges of the roof to keep water away from the fascia while the gutters are responsible for transporting runoff down to the downspouts and into a drainage in the ground. When installed incorrectly, these components can cause water to infiltrate your fascia, potentially damaging the building materials below it. Once water finds its way behind your gutters, it is only a matter of time before it rots out both the fascia board and roof decking. With that in mind, it is crucial that an expert roofer installs your gutters and drip edge. This issue can be an indication of water buildup in other parts of the house. The fascia may absorb water from heavy rains but water will continue to make its way to the base of your home.
See your basement or crawlspace for water accumulation. It can mean that the building materials under the fascia can be damaged. For this problem, you may need to contact a professional to determine if your home requires repairs. However, in some cases, the damage is beyond repair and a replacement is necessary.
Another possible cause of rotting fascia is storm damage. Due to its location, the component is extremely susceptible to wind-driven rain during a storm. If it collects enough moisture, the fascia can start to rot, putting your home at greater risk of damage that requires roof replacement.
What to Do About a Damaged Fascia
Most of the time, it is easy to identify a damaged fascia because the signs are obvious. Dark stains, cracks, holes and splintering are a few common ones, while the worst-case scenario entails portions of the fascia board missing from the roof. At the first sight of these signs, especially after a severe storm, immediately call a professional and schedule an inspection to determine other issues at hand. Ask the professional to check the soffit as it may also be compromised by excessive water buildup. To avoid future leaks and water damage, the seams of the fascia board should be precisely lined up with the rafters. Like with roof replacement, do not attempt to repair a fascia board on your own.
How to Keep a Fascia Board in Good Condition
It is ultimately your responsibility as a homeowner to maintain the overall condition of your roof, and that includes protecting your fascia boards from rot. Here are some tips:
Install a drip edge. As required from building codes, a drip edge must be installed to preserve the life of fascia boards. It sits right below the first layer of shingles and keeps water from reaching the fascia. If your existing roof has a drip edge, make sure that it is not loose or misaligned.
Keep the gutters clean. When water backs up due to clogged gutters, it goes to the fascia boards before it even seeps underneath the shingles. Have your gutters inspected and cleaned at least twice a year — once in spring and once in fall — to ensure there are no dead leaves, animal nests and other debris clogging up the system.
Give the fascia a fresh coat of paint. An annual roof inspection is a perfect time to make sure the fascia board is sealed and caulked. You should also let a professional touch up any areas where paint is peeling or flaking before water penetrates them. Giving the fascia a new coat of paint will help protect it from elements and keep the exterior of your home sightly. If the fascia is made with wood, choose a premium exterior paint that can stand up to severe weather conditions.
Remove insect nests. Especially in the colder months, your roof becomes a beacon of light for pests and small animals. Periodically check for evidence of bee, wasp and hornet nests in the corners of your home where the exterior walls meet the roof. If animals nesting on your roof has become a serious problem, call a professional to have them safely removed.
If your fascia boards are slowly exhibiting signs of deterioration, it is often more cost-effective to replace them. Make sure you remove the old fascia boards before adding new ones. Installation should not include cap covers since they can promote moisture buildup on the timber, therefore causing it to rot.
What Are the Common Signs of Fascia Rot?
Water in Your Basement
The presence of water in your basement, crawlspace and other low-lying areas is an indication that your fascia is in bad shape. Aside from having your fascia repaired or replaced, you should also have your property inspected by an experienced home inspector. This will determine if your home needs additional repairs.
Imperfections on the Fascia’s Surface
Roofing experts suggest regularly checking the fascia boards for indications of damage like splinters, cracks and discoloration. Once the fascia has been compromised, it won’t take long before the rotten boards start pulling away from your home.
How Can You Protect Your Fascia?
Schedule Routine Inspections and Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance can prolong the life of your roof, helping you avoid issues such as roof leaks, interior water damage and rotten fascia. Keeping your roof and fascia in good condition helps maintain your home’s comfort and structural integrity. Be sure to hire a dependable contractor to care for your roofing system.
Install a Drip Edge
A drip edge helps fascia boards stay in good condition. This component is an L-shaped piece of metal that roofers attach to the decking. You’ll find it just below the first layer of shingles, safely diverting water away from the fascia.
Invest in a Highly Water-Resistant Product
For your fascia board, you want to get the most water- and decay-resistant material that fits your budget. An experienced installer will not nail a fascia near the end of the grain because it makes the board more likely to split. Once the board splits, water will easily penetrate the board and cause it to rot. Using the right type of nails and painting the board’s edges can help make it more structurally stable. Doing so keeps the exposed parts of the fascia protected from excessive moisture.
Ensure Proper Gutter Installation
Proper gutter installation is essential to preventing water damage in your fascia and the rest of your home’s exterior. An inefficient gutter system can cause water to back up to the roof and overflow to the siding. When it fails to direct water at a safe distance from your home, damage can occur in your basement and foundation. Another issue it can cause is erosion in your landscaping.
Have Your Gutters Cleaned Regularly
Clogged gutters are among the most common culprits behind roof damage. Over time, water backing up on your roof and fascia will result in the need for costly repairs. It can even shorten the lifespan of your roof. Debris-filled gutters can draw the attention of pests and small animals that can endanger the health of your household. They can also use your gutters as an entry point to your roof or living spaces. Routine gutter cleaning and maintenance can help keep these pests away from your home.
Besides your fascia, an efficient gutter system will also protect the value of your home. If you are thinking about selling your home in the future, be sure to address gutter issues as soon as possible and keep up with maintenance.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
In addition to supporting the structure of a roof, the purpose of a fascia board is to keep moisture out of the system. It also provides a clean, finished look to the edge of the roof. On top of that, the fascia is known to be behind a strong and sturdy gutter system. During heavy rainfall, the fascia carries the weight of the gutters and the high volume of water it holds. The gutter system is likely to sag when the fascia is in bad shape, causing the water to spill over to the side and pool near the foundation of the home. Along with the soffits, the fascia board also helps keep birds, squirrels and other pests out of the roof.
Most of the time, it is easy to identify a damaged fascia because the signs are obvious. Dark stains, cracks, holes and splintering are a few common ones, while the worst-case scenario entails portions of the fascia board missing from the roof. At the first sight of these signs, especially after a severe storm, immediately call a professional and schedule an inspection to determine other issues at hand. Ask the professional to check the soffit as it may also be compromised by excessive water buildup. To avoid future leaks and water damage, the seams of the fascia board should be precisely lined up with the rafters. Like with roof replacement, do not attempt to repair a fascia board on your own.