The fascia boards might not be as prominent as the asphalt shingles and flashings, but they play an integral role on your roof’s aesthetic appeal and weather performance. M&A Exterior Home Improvement, your trusted roofing contractor in the area, explains what they are and why they matter.
Your roof’s fascia is a horizontal board located at the edge of your roof. Think of it as a trim that completes the entire appearance of your roof and home. In addition to providing a smooth, even appearance along the roofline, the fascia also conceals the exposed ends of rafters, protecting the roof’s underside against moisture infiltration and animal infestation. More importantly, it helps support the continuous run of gutters from one end of the roofline to the other.
Fascia boards are typically made of timber, but other materials are available as well, including vinyl, aluminum and even plastic. They also come in a wide variety of profiles, including square edge, bullnose and flat back. Fascia board sizes can also vary depending on the configuration of the roofing system, particularly the pitch.
Like the rest of your roof, the fascia boards may suffer damage over time. Clogged gutters, ice dams and improper shingle overhangs can allow water and moisture to penetrate behind the boards, leading to signs of deterioration such as rotting, warping and cracking.
Fortunately, installing a drip edge on fascia boards is one way to protect them. It is an L-shaped metal item fastened to the roof decking. It sits beneath the initial layer of shingles and helps to keep water away from the fascia boards. Make sure they are inspected as part of your scheduled roof inspections with your local roofing contractor.
M&A Exterior Home Improvement is your leading provider of roof repair and installation services. Give us a call at (757) 779-5244. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve homeowners in and around Norfolk and Williamsburg, VA.