Fascias & Soffits

Little attention is often paid to soffits and fascia. Forming the corners where your roof meets the top of your home's exterior walls, they are often subtle and barely visible. When seen, it is crucial that soffits and fascia have a professional finish. Over time, soffits and fascia needs to be replaced since they are prone to weathering. The choice of styles and materials for soffits and fascia often depends on the style of your roof and property as well as your budget and own personal tastes.

Soffits versus Fascia

Fascia and soffits work together to protect your roof and home from the elements. The fascia is an exterior vertical board found under the edge of your home's roof. It generally forms the outer edge of the roof's edge and is designed with a groove that connects to soffits. A soffit is the finished surface below the fascia. It is used to bridge the gap between the roofline and a property's siding. Located on the outer edge of the roof, the soffit forms the undersurface of the overhanging section of a house's roof. They help keep moisture away from the walls of your home as well as the foundation and rafters. Soffits also prevent mould and mildew growth, which can cause structural problems as well as health issues with people living inside. Soffits can also be ventilated to help cool a roof or attic space. They are also available in various colours and architectural styles, which can be used to complement the overall design and style of your home.

Fascia and Soffit Materials

Traditionally, fascia and soffits were made of wood. Wooden fascia and soffits deliver an attractive finish. A disadvantage of wood is that they require a lot of maintenance. Since wood rots with continued exposure to water and moisture, wooden fascia and soffits need to be repaired and replaced almost every year to avoid damage. Wood is also more easily compromised by wildlife looking for a way into your roof space. Already one of the most expensive materials for soffits and fascia, ongoing maintenance needs of wood can become costly. While wood continues to be used in older and more traditional homes, other materials are becoming increasingly popular.

Rigid plastic or uPVC is a popular choice for soffits and fascia. This material has several advantages including being more efficient at keeping heat inside your property, which in turn helps reduce your carbon footprint by improving the efficiency of your home heating system. They also require less maintenance and are more durable since they are not prone to rotting. Vinyl is also used for soffits and fascia, although it can warp with extreme heat. A durable choice and low maintenance for fascia and soffits, this material is also one of the cheapest options. Aluminium is another low maintenance option that is available in many colours. Although a durable option that offers good resistance to corrosion, aluminium can dent in severe weather.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Fascia and soffits need to be properly installed to ensure that your home is protected against damage caused from the elements. To ensure you are protected, look for competent tradespeople such as a registered competent roofer. Qualified and reputable roofers including contractors that work on fascia and soffits are certified through the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Roofing contractors that perform guttering work can also be affiliated with other associations and organisations such as the Confederation of Roofing Contractors, Metal Roofing Contractors Association or Institute of Roofing.

In addition to checking the contractor's qualifications and membership in any trade associations, you should also get an idea of the quality of their work, business practices and service. This can be done by meeting with contractors and asking questions about their company and experience in roofing, particularly installing and repairing soffits and fascia. Also, you should check the contractor's references and online reviews to learn more about their work. Request a minimum of three written quotes to give you an understanding of a fair, competitive price. Quotes should include all costs for materials and supplies needed for the project as well as all labour related costs. Finally, make sure the contractor has adequate public liability and employer's insurance so that their work is protected.