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Soffits vs Fascias: What Are the Differences?
They may not be eye-catching, but soffits and fascias are two of a home’s most important exterior components. These integral features help roofing systems work as they should. Plus, they add beauty and elegance to a home’s architectural style. When done well, soffits and fascias lend character to a home’s exterior.
At Woodbridge Home Solutions, we specialize in replacing soffits and fascias in homes. Read on to learn what they are and how we protect your home.
What Are Soffits?
Soffits are horizontal boards that cover the gap between the roof’s overhang and the exterior wall of your house. If you look closely at the soffits boards of your home, you’ll see that they usually have regularly spaced holes or slits in them, also called soffit vents. Soffits serve several purposes:
- Create a barrier that keeps wildlife out of your attic space.
- Ventilate your attic, which is important in keeping your house cool and in fire prevention.
- Prevent moisture buildup, which leads to mold and rot.
- The type of soffit you have helps complete the look of your house.
What Are Fascias?
Like soffits, fascias have practical and aesthetic uses. The fascia board sits under the eaves and gutter and hangs down a little bit past the soffit. Its job is to provide a barrier between the edge of the roof and the outside. Some things that fascias do are:
- Provide a barrier against weather for the home’s exterior walls and soffit
- Are where gutters and drain pipes are attached
- Offer a smooth appearance for the roofline, increasing your home’s curb appeal
What Are the Benefits of Replacing Fascias and Soffits?
Even more than your roof, healthy soffits and fascias are your home’s first line of defense against weather damage and wildlife. A working soffit is a key component to good airflow in your attic. This increase in energy efficiency in turn helps you save on HVAC costs. Not only that, but the air circulation helps stop your attic from overheating during hot summer days, thereby increasing fire safety.
Because they play a crucial role in keeping out moisture, replacing soffits and fascias can delay the need for expensive roof repairs or even a roof replacement. Fascias that show signs of rot might be letting moisture into your attic, which might result in costly remediation due to water damage.
What Materials Are Used for Replacement Soffits and Fascias?
In general, the materials used in new soffits and fascias are the same ones used in window frames. Homeowners can choose from a range of fascia and soffit materials, depending on their budget and preferences.
Wood is a common material for the soffits and fascias of older homes. Depending on the type of wood, they can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Wood fascias and soffits have fantastic curb appeal. However, they are susceptible to rot and require regular maintenance.
Aluminum is a popular choice because of its durability—it usually lasts 15 to 20 years. However, the upfront costs are very high for this option.
Fiber cement is a composite material that combines cement with cellulose, giving it flexibility. It’s often used for siding. A fiber cement soffit and fascia can last as long as 30 years but is costly to install.
Vinyl is our personal favorite material and the one we use at Woodbridge Home Solutions. Vinyl soffits and fascia last 10 to 20 years. They are more affordable than aluminum and fiber cement.
PVC, UPVC, and steel are also sometimes used in soffit and fascia replacement.
Fascias vs. Soffits: Which Is More Durable?
Soffits are more vulnerable to the elements than fascia. This is because they are often exposed to water runoff caused by damaged gutters and shingles, which can cause them to rot or warp. Plus, small animals like birds and squirrels may try to use them as nesting grounds. Once soffits have become damaged, replacing them is necessary, especially if they show signs of rot.
Even though they last a little longer than soffits, fascias are also vulnerable to damage since they are exposed to the elements. Fascias support your gutters, so any warping or rotting might cause your roof drainage system to stop working properly. Plus, fascias are the most visible part of the roof system. Rotting or warped fascias can make a house look dingy.
At Woodbridge Home Solutions, we only use the best soffit and fascia for homeowners in our community. We use the same materials on our soffits and fascias and our window frames. This helps give your home a cohesive, finished look. We can also be trusted for new windows, siding, and doors. Contact us today to learn more!