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Most of the time, people usually only notice the big and prominent features of their home.  Windows, siding and doors are the main features on any home, but it’s important you don’t overlook other aspects of your roof.  What is soffit? What is fascia? Why are they important features on your home?

While most people know why windows, siding and doors are important, they might not realize that soffit and fascia are equally as important.

 

What is Soffit?

 

Soffit is the exposed siding underneath your roof’s overhang.  Since your soffit is located on the underside of your roof, it’s often not visible in terms of curb appeal.

However, soffit can still be seen when you’re close to the home and when you’re underneath it or at street level.  Soffit is usually the same design and color as your home’s siding, but can be different depending on your own personal tastes and preferences.

Soffit can be made from wood, aluminum or vinyl. It’s important that you have a soffit material suitable for the climate you live in.  Vinyl soffit is usually the way to go.

Vinyl soffit has all the same characteristics as vinyl siding, so you know your home will be protected with it and look great at the same time.

What is Fascia?

 

Fascia goes hand-in-hand with your home’s soffit.  Fascia is the area of siding directly above the soffit.  It’s the exposed board you see on the front of your roof’s overhang.

Your fascia is also where gutters are placed.  Fascia is very visible and needs to be in good shape so your home’s curb appeal isn’t in jeopardy.

Just like soffit, fascia can be made of aluminum, wood or vinyl and the best option is vinyl.

Why Soffit and Fascia Are Important For Your Home

Now that you know what soffit and fascia are, you need to know why they’re important.  You might be thinking, how can such small areas be that important for my home?

The fact is, it’s very important to stay up-to-date on your soffit and fascia if you want to keep a good looking and energy efficient home.

Why Is Soffit Important?

Soffit is important because it has venting that helps keep a steady airflow between your roof and attic.  You’re probably thinking, why do I want outside air in my home?

Your attic needs to be well ventilated or else moisture can build up causing mold to form.  The last thing you want in your home is mold.

Aside from keeping moisture out, soffit helps release heat from your attic during the hot summer months.

Soffit also helps keep animals and insects out of your home.  Bees and wasps love to nestle up in soffit, so you need to keep it maintained to prevent them from invading.   It’s important to make sure your soffit has no cracks or holes in it and if it does, you must repair or replace it right away.

Why Is Fascia Important?

Fascia consists of the long straight board along the lower edge of the roof, so how can it be so important?  For starters, it’s the last line of support for the lower edge of the bottom row of roof tiles or shingles.

Plus, it’s what your gutters are installed on.  Gutters are extremely important and your fascia needs to be able to hold them up even during torrential downpour.

Fascia is also important because it’s visible to everyone.  If you want to maximize your home’s curb appeal, your fascia needs to look great as well.

Why Vinyl Soffit and Fascia Are Better than the Rest

You know what soffit and fascia are and why they’re important, so now you need to know what type to get in order to maximize all the benefits associated with them.

As mentioned earlier, the main materials of soffit and fascia are wood, aluminum and vinyl.  Wood soffit and fascia doesn’t make sense because they are susceptible to warping and rotting when exposed to moisture.

Aluminum soffit and fascia absorb heat and will make your roof and attic extremely hot which will decrease your home’s overall energy efficiency because you’ll have to rely more on your air conditioner.

Vinyl soffit and fascia are the clear winners.  Vinyl is resistant to cracking, warping and rotting so it’s virtually maintenance-free.  All you’ll need to do is clean it every once in a while.

You also have more options with vinyl and can even choose wood grain finishes if you want the beauty of wood without the negatives.

Vinyl is the most energy efficient option as well because it’ll keep rain, snow, rodents and insects out of your home better than wood or aluminum.