What is a Fascia Board?

A Guide to Fascia Boards

 

A good, long lasting and durable roof structure requires several key elements, one of these being the fascia board. The fascia is a horizontal, wooden board that runs under the lower edge of your roof and is directly attached to where the roof meets the outer wall. If you aren’t sure which piece is the fascia board, you will generally find it sitting just behind the gutter.

Facia boards serve multiple functions but primarily, they are able to secure your roofing area and provide vital protection.

 Why is a Fascia Board Needed?

 

You will find that, as a part of your roofing structure, the fascia board offers a range of benefits:

• Gutter Support – As fascia boards run horizontally along the lower edge of the rood, they comfortably provide a secure area for gutters to be attached to. Gutters need to be able to withstand rain water, hold debris and dirt, all without falling, the strong base that fascia boards provide, makes this possible.
• Protection – Made from uPVC, fascia boards are weather resistant and can protect the ends of the roof from excessive rain and snow fall, harsh winds and can even prevent small insects and even squirrels from entering the roof area.
• Ventilation – Facia boards are designed to connect to the soffit board and together, they can work to create added ventilation and prevent the roof area from any moisture build up.
• Appearance – Fascia boards are a great way to create a clean and finished look to your roof

 

For most homeowners, fascia boards aren’t really the first thing they would notice but these really are crucial components that play a key role in how well your roofing structure works. It is important to understand that, without fascia boards, the rafters and other structural parts of the roof would be exposed, making them far more susceptible to moisture and decay. The fascia board plays an important role whilst also ensuring that your roof has a clean and polished appearance.

 

What Materials are Fascia Boards Available in?

 

Like most popular roofing supplies, fascia boards are available in either metal, wooden or uPVC materials. At The Plastic Centre, we specialise in uPVC materials for all of our roofing supplies, why? Both wooden and metal options are at risk of facing a number of issues. Wood absorbs moisture making it susceptible to warping and rotting and metal will eventually rust when exposed to the elements. In contrast, uPVC is weather resistant meaning no chance of rotting or warping, and no chance of rust forming. In fact, the biggest reason many builders now opt for uPVC fascia boards is that they are incredibly low maintenance, long lasting and durable which means no need to repaint and no need for regular repairs.

Although white uPVC fascia boards are generally one of the most popular choices, fascia boards are also available in a number of different colour finishes including anthracite grey, black and woodgrain styles meaning whatever your roofing style, you should easily be able to find a suitable uPVC fascia board.

 

Fascia Boards and Soffits

 

When learning about the functions of a fascia board you will often find soffit boards are mentioned alongside it, since the two are designed to work together. The fascia board is the vertical board that caps the roof edge and the soffit board is the horizontal board that runs from the fascia to the house wall.

Both fascias and soffit boards work together to seal the roof, protect the roof rafters, improve ventilation and keep out moisture, dirt and even small insects and pests.

Because the Fascia boards provide vital support to gutters, any damage can quickly affect the home. It is important to keep an eye on stains, blockages, ventilation issues and most importantly any sagging gutters as this may be a sign that your fascia boards will need replacing.

Are Fascia Boards Necessary?

 

A fascia board may seem like the smallest detail, but it does in fact play a big role in the overall structure of your roof and waste management. Investing in high quality fascia boards will ensure that your house is supported and protected whilst maintaining a clean and polished look.

Have you taken a look at our range of fascia boards?