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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.
What Are Fascia Boards and Soffits?
Fascia are the trim that covers the boards that run horizontally across your rafter tails. These create a finished look to the eaves area, prevent moisture from getting to the substructure of your roof, and help support your gutters. An exterior soffit is the exposed siding beneath your roof’s overhang. Soffits help keep moisture outside, vent the attic, and prevent animals like birds and bats from nesting overhead. Fascias and soffits are more than mere roof design elements—they help protect the exterior of your home from pests and structural damage.
Many homeowners aren’t familiar with a soffit and fascia or the purpose these components serve for your home. Essentially, the soffit and fascia help your home “breathe.” These essential pieces of “trim” don’t usually require much attention unless something goes awry. However, because the soffit and fascia are critical to your home’s ventilation, improper soffit and fascia cleaning and maintenance can lead to significant concerns.
Without a working soffit and fascia, your shingles may curl and even come off the roof. Moisture, mold, and mildew can get into your home, wood can rot, and you can face tremendous problems.
What’s the Purpose of Soffit and Fascia Anyway?
The subject of soffit and fascia usually comes up when a homeowner is exploring roof replacement, siding updates, new gutters, or when they run into an issue with their home’s ventilation. Think of your roof as two sides of a triangle for those who aren’t familiar with the terms. The soffit is the bottom part of the triangle, connecting the roof to the house’s sides. Soffits are ventilated, allowing your home (and roof) to receive proper airflow.
Fascia is a trim piece that covers the “side” of your roof. The fascia may also be known as “transition trim” because it adds finish between your house and roof. The fascia also serves two essential purposes. First, your home’s gutters are usually attached to the fascia, and the fascia also helps to support shingles, protecting them from moisture.
When it rains or snows, water pours over your roof. The water typically flows down your roof and into the gutters affixed to the fascia. Without clean, functioning gutters, a well-installed fascia, and the clean, ventilated soffit, water could get inside and cause significant damage.
How Do I Keep Up on Soffit and Fascia Cleaning and Maintenance?
The good news is that properly installed soffit and fascia are virtually maintenance-free. However, older soffits may require cleaning and upkeep, especially if they feature “cheese grater” style vents that can become clogged and dirty over time. Wooden fascia or older aluminum versions can start to look dingy and worn over time. Because these pieces protect your home from water and moisture, they can begin to peel, chip, and even rot due to constant exposure to the weather. Older soffit and fascia may require cleaning, sanding, staining, painting, and more upkeep.
That said, you shouldn’t ignore soffit and fascia cleaning and maintenance. Because they play a critical role in protecting your roof, especially in winter weather, you must ensure these components of your home are in good working order. If you have gutters, they should also be flowing well, with no clogs or debris. Gutters protect your soffit and fascia, as well as the foundation of your home.
If you’re tired of cleaning, sanding, and painting your soffit and fascia, or if you feel your gutters aren’t doing their job, it may be time to consider a replacement. We offer an array of colors and styles to help you choose the proper trim to complement the look of your home.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Soffit or Fascia?
If you’re a homeowner considering roof replacement, you may also want to consider replacing the soffit and fascia as well as the gutters on your home. Of course, you can replace your soffit and fascia any time—the job doesn’t need to accompany a roof replacement. For example, if your home is older and features wooden fascia boards, you may want to replace them to avoid maintenance and upkeep. Look for signs of discoloration, peeling, mildew, and water damage to your fascia. If you notice cracks, dents, or other damage, it may be time to replace them.
As for the soffit, your roof will tell the tale. If you notice shingles are starting to curl up, fall of, or look uneven, you may be experiencing a ventilation problem. Ice damming in the winter can also indicate that your home’s ventilation is less than optimal. It’s important to address these concerns because they can lead to big problems down the road.
Your soffit should provide continuous ventilation for your roof. That means the ventilation should be appropriately spaced and adequate for the size and style of your roof. With the proper soffit, you shouldn’t need to clean or maintain it at all. It should have a beautiful, seamless look, complimenting your home.
Finally, your soffit will help protect the warranty on your roof. If your roof isn’t properly ventilated, you may not be covered under warranty, should something go awry. Most roofing manufacturers require that all ventilation meets a certain standard, which means that the soffit and fascia must be up-to-date and well maintained.
Fascia maintenance checklist
Inspect for damage: Walk around your home and do a visual inspection of your wood fascia board. Look for signs of splits or cracks in the wood, peeling paint, wet spots, mold or mildew growth. The damaged fascia should be repaired or replaced before winter. Check for rot: If you suspect water damage, and feel comfortable on a ladder, check the wood fascia for rot. Push a screwdriver into the board in suspect areas. If it’s soft and goes into the wood, it means the wood is wet, rotting, and needs replacement.
Replace damaged fascia: The fascia protects your home from pests, excess moisture and supports the eavestroughs. If it’s damaged or rotten, it can be replaced it a high-end aluminum fascia board. This metal fascia alternative looks great, is durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance.
Soffit maintenance checklist
Inspect for damage: A visual inspection will determine if your soffits are physically damaged. Look for signs of rot, sagging, or separation from the roof edge or siding edge.
Check for signs of poor ventilation: Soffits play a role in your home’s ventilation system. Excess moisture in areas of your home can indicate they’re failing. Look for signs of condensation on the upper walls or ceiling and watermarks on beams in the attic.
Repair or replace damaged soffit: You should replace the compromised soffit before winter. An aluminum soffit solution is superior to wood options. Improve aesthetics, ventilation, and ensure no pests make a home in your attic this winter with new soffits.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM 
Fascia are the trim that covers the boards that run horizontally across your rafter tails. These create a finished look to the eaves area, prevent moisture from getting to the substructure of your roof, and help support your gutters. An exterior soffit is the exposed siding beneath your roof’s overhang. Soffits help keep moisture outside, vent the attic, and prevent animals like birds and bats from nesting overhead. Fascias and soffits are more than mere roof design elements—they help protect the exterior of your home from pests and structural damage.