Why Fascia Boards Are Vital & What to Know:

When it comes to your roof, there is more than meets the eye! Each aspect plays a role in ensuring your roof is in functioning order, but in day to day business of life, you probably never even considered nor heard of this part of your roof: Fascia Boards!

If that describes you, you’re not alone. Fascia boards are the ultimate undercover helpers, and today I will give them the spotlight and discuss why they’re vital in every way! 

What are Fascia Boards? 

Fascia Boards are commonly wooden boards (although can come in different types of material) that help cover and therefore protect exposed roof rafters where the walls and rooftop converge. Fascia Boards generally keep a low profile and may not be easily noticed as, from the outside, tends to blend into the roof structure. 

Why are Fascia Boards Important? 

Here are the top 5 main reasons why fascia boards are important: 

1. Helps deter pests and excess moisture from elements! 

Pests, depending on what geographical location you’re in, can be a real hassle, but fascia boards serve as an extra line of defense to stop them from entering your home by sealing off roof trusses and rafters. 

Generally made out of wood and sometimes complemented with vinyl, aluminum, etc., covering, fascia boards make it easy to allow water to flow efficiently to gutters to be drained properly otherwise water would build up and compromise your roof’s health, costing thousands! 

2. Structural Support for Gutters! 

Gutters have a huge responsibility in draining excess water, and fascia boards allow gutters to be anchored on the roof, so they are positioned effectively to do their job! This is actually why you may not notice fascia boards in the first place because the gutters take up their surface area. 

There would be no place for gutters on a roof if it weren’t for fascia boards, and your roof more than likely would be experiencing some nasty water damage! 

✅ Related: Be Sure to Check Why Gutter Guards Are Important!

3. Helps Improve the Value of Your Home! 

Fascia boards help give your home’s roof a unique, defined edge as it helps cover unsightly roof rafters and trusses, thus boosting its curbside appeal and overall value down the road. Fascia Board compliments, protective coverings of its usual wooden foundation, can come in different materials as well as colors for aesthetic appeal. 

4. Provide Structural Integrity to your Roof! 

Fascia boards are the direct contact piece where your rooftop and walls of your home meet, which in other words means, it is important! Therefore, the roof’s edge is reliant upon the fascia boards to provide strength where it converges, so it can hold its place and seal off vulnerable sections. 

No fascia boards would leave your roof’s edge without the support and seriously exposed to the elements let alone pests to wreak havoc in your home!  

5. Helps Regulate Airflow from Soffit 

The soffit is directly underneath the fascia board and it is in charge primarily to help regulate airflow into the roof. The fascia board helps to facilitate that airflow as it allows for air to pass through the top, so it can be ventilated properly.

Without fascia boards to help, excess moisture would build up in your roof, which thus could spawn the growth of mold, mildew, and so forth let alone gradually break down your roof’s material from the inside out and leave it vulnerable. 

What to do if in need of repair? 

If you experience any cracks, drooping, mold, rotting wood, or any other structural discrepancies, you may be in need of repair! Fascia board damage is pretty serious as it has heavy implications on your roof if left unchecked. Unfortunately, the old tried and true, do it yourself will not cut it here, rather you must hire a roofing contractor for assistance! 

A roofing contractor can be found with an easy search on google in your area. Call your local company and ask for a free quote to access the state of your fascia boards and the necessary services that are needed. 

Be sure to thoroughly check credentials, licenses/certifications, warranties, and insurance before proceeding to hire! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and/or walk away if your needs aren’t met. 

How much do fascia boards cost to replace?

Typically, a roofing company or exterior remodeling company will charge per linear foot to replace fascia boards. Costs will vary depending on:

1. Material (wood vs PVC for example)
2. Wrapped in aluminum (or not)

Here at Top Dog Home Pro, we wrap all fascia boards to prevent the board from weathering and needing replacing in the future. Most of the time, a standard price will start at $15 per linear foot.

Now, keep in mind when you are replacing a fascia board, you are replacing the entire board which typically comes in eight-foot sections. So on average, to outfit an entire single-family home with fascia boards can typically range from $600 to $800 depending on the linear feet total.

What’s the Verdict? 

Fascia Boards, the undercover heroes, are as vital as they come with their role in your roof! They support and assist at a great level in many ways, but are hardly known and therefore don’t get much attention. However, hopefully, we were able to change your perspective today on opening your eyes to how much influence they have. 

Take preventative action in the care and maintenance of your fascia boards, and build for the long term to ensure your roof’s longevity. If you have any burning questions to ask, feel free to contact us and we will be honored to help you out!