What are fascias and soffits?

Fascias and soffits is a term that refers to elements of a building’s roofing system. Despite their high importance, they’re one of the most poorly understood features of a property. Read on to find out what are fascias and soffits and why they’re so vital for your home. We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you discover more about these key parts of your property’s roof.  

What are fascias: an overview 

Fascias are the boards that attach to the rafter ends to complete the look of a building. They run along the length of the roof and sit neatly below the tiles. They can be made from a wide range of different materials, including wood, wood composite, and uPVC. Wood is the most affordable option for fascias. However, a high level of maintenance tends to be necessary, including regular painting to keep them looking their best. A common choice is uPVC since it lasts longer and requires less upkeep over time.  

Many people think that fascias only serve a decorative purpose, being added to a building purely for aesthetic reasons. However, they’re actually an integral part of a property, playing a key role in protecting your roof and home. Fascias serve to support a building’s roof tiles and guttering, as well as sealing the roof from the elements. 

Lengthy periods of rain and high winds are common in the UK, and this can lead to damage occurring to your home. When fascias are installed to a high standard by experienced roofers, you can relax in the knowledge the edges of your roof are watertight, preventing water damage over time. Fascias can also help to protect the soffits which hang below the roof under the eaves. 

What are soffits: an overview

Soffits are boards that sit underneath the fascias towards the wall of the building. They’re most common in the main roofing system. However, they can also go under porches and even under stairs in some cases. Various materials can be used to make soffits, including wood, steel, and, more recently, uPVC. uPVC is by far the best choice, with soffits made from this material far more robust and resilient. Resistant to rotting and warping, uPVC soffits will stay in shape for many years to come. 

Soffits serve a dual purpose on a property’s roofing system. Not only does it improve the look of the roof but it also protects the rafters from the effects of the elements. If a soffit wasn’t there to shield the rafters, they’d end up rotting over time, potentially letting mould into the house. These are both serious problems that can cost a great deal to fix. Once mould finds its way into a property, it’s very difficult to get rid of it without the help of a specialist company. 

Soffits can be vented or non-vented. When vented, they’re important for the airflow of a property. They allow air to circulate around the building whilst limiting the moisture that can get through. This helps to prevent damp problems. Since vented soffit boards allow airflow into your roof space, colder air can travel from the outside in, ensuring your home is cooler in the summer and warmer during the winter months. This can make your home more comfortable whilst also helping to reduce your energy bills. 

The importance of maintaining fascias and soffits 

Now you know what are fascias and soffits, you may want to know how to look after them. Since they play such a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage, it’s important to ensure that they stay in good condition. Check regularly for early signs of damage. Firstly, you should make sure there’s no peeling or flaking paint. If there is, this is a sign that the wood underneath has become swollen due to dampness. You’ll need to check for signs of rot. Noticeable rot can indicate a serious problem and the damaged area will need replacing before more severe structural damage occurs. Another sign that your fascias and soffits aren’t working as they should is leaky gutters. Whilst they’re often blamed on blockages, the issue may actually be worn out fascias.  

Don’t ignore damage to your property’s fascias and soffits. Disregarding even a small problem can quickly lead to more serious harm occurring that won’t just put your home at risk of water damage but can be expensive to rectify. We recommend checking these parts of your roofing system regularly for damage. If you don’t feel confident doing this yourself, call a reputable roofing company. 

At Raven Roofing and Repairs, we can maintain and repair your fascias and soffits in Grimsby and Louth. Our team of roofers are highly experienced and can be relied upon to carry out work to the very highest standards. Whether you want us to fix or replace your fascias or soffits or it’s time for a brand new roof, we can assist. We’re Freefoam installers, ensuring that all our products come with a full guarantee. We’ve been carrying out roofing work in the region for many years and have built up a fantastic reputation for our services. 

Contact us 

If you’re still wondering what are fascias and soffits or why they’re so important for your property, don’t hesitate to get in touch. At Raven Roofing and Repairs, we can install, maintain, and repair soffits and fascias in Grimsby & Louth, providing a professional and affordable service every time. Call us on 01472 565 084 01507 640 072 to discuss your needs with one of our friendly team. You can also send us a message via the contact form on the website if you prefer. We’ll get back to you with answers to your questions as soon as we can.