The ultimate guide to understanding roof fascia and its importance
By Modern Seal Roofing
July 8, 2022
A roof fascia is a board that covers the joints between the roof rafters and is located at the top of the house. It's usually made from wood or plastic and covers up the ends of the rafters to make them look more finished.
Roofs are an important part of keeping your home protected from weather damage. The roofing material protects your home from extreme heat or cold, rain, snow and even hail. On top of that, it keeps out birds and other animals that might try to make themselves at home in your attic space!
Let’s begin with the basics.
What is roof fascia?
A roof fascia is a board or moulding that covers the junction between the roof and the wall. It can be made of wood, metal or other materials. A roof fascia protects the outside wall and seals out rain, wind and snow. Some types of roof fascias also help to keep water out of the attic, by directing water away from the house.
The main purpose of a roof fascia is to protect any woodwork against weathering. Without it, your wood will rot away from exposure to moisture. It also helps to protect any brickwork or cement from damage caused by water seeping through cracks in the walls.
The best time to install a new roof fascia is during construction when new roofing material is being installed on top of old ones. However, if you have a damaged or missing fascia you can easily add one later on by yourself.
What are the different parts of roof fascia?
Roof fascia is installed to protect your roof from water damage, and it gives your home a more finished look. The different parts of roof fascia are:
5-1/2" Fascia Board — This is the top layer of your fascia and is installed horizontally over the rafter tails. Rafter tails are the ends of your rafters where they meet the end wall or ridge board. The 5-1/2" width is measured from outside edge to outside edge.
3-3/4" Fascia Trim — This thin strip of wood covers up any gaps between your 5-1/2" fascia board and any other building materials such as roof tiles or siding. The 3-3/4" width is measured from outside edge to outside edge.
8" Joist Hanger — This metal device attaches to the backside of your rafter tail so you can attach the 8" joist hanger to it instead of nailing directly through the side of your wall into it.
Different types of roof fascia
There are several types of roof fascia, each with its own pros and cons. You need to choose the type of roof fascia that fits your home best. Here are some of the most common types:
- Metal Roof Fascia
Metal roof fascia is made from steel or aluminium, and it’s one of the most popular materials for roofing because it’s durable and long-lasting. Metal roof fascia comes in many different styles and colours, so you can find one that matches your home perfectly. It also has a low cost compared to other types of vinyl siding, making it a great option if you’re looking for an affordable way to update your house.
- Vinyl Siding Roof Fascia
Vinyl siding is another popular choice for homeowners, especially those who want something more affordable than metal or fibre cement siding. Vinyl siding has many benefits over other types of siding because it’s easy to install and repair if there are any problems down the road. It’s also easy to paint when you want to change the colour or get a fresh new look!
- Wooden fascia
Wood is one of the most common materials used for roofing because it's easy to work with and inexpensive. It comes in many colours, sizes and styles. Wooden fascia is usually installed over an existing roofline so that it blends into your home's design while protecting your roof against damage from water and other elements.
Should there be a gap between the roof and fascia?
The gap between the roof and fascia should be no more than 1/4 inch. If you have more than that, it could mean that your fascia is warped or damaged.
The purpose of the fascia is to cover up the edges of your roofing materials and protect them from weather elements and other wear and tear. It also provides a nice clean look to your home. However, if there is too much space between your fascia and roofing material, then water can get in between these areas and cause damage to your home's exterior.
Should the fascia match your roof colour?
The answer is, that it depends.
If you have a dark-coloured roof, like black or charcoal, then matching the fascia to that colour is going to make sense for two reasons:
- It will help maintain a consistent look throughout your home.
- It will help prevent people from seeing the seam between your roof and gutter system.
Use Modern Seal Roofing’s Colour Visualisation Tool to visualise your roof and fascia colour.
Colour is one of the most important decisions you will make when you’re designing or renovating your home. Not only does it affect how your house looks, but it also impacts how much energy it uses and how long it will last.
At Modern Seal Roofing, we have a Colour Visualisation Tool on our website that allows you to see the exact colours you have chosen on your roof and fascia before any work has been done. Once you have decided which colour scheme works best for you, our team of professionals can install it for you quickly and efficiently!
How will Modern Seal Roofing experts help you fix and maintain your fascia?
Modern Seal Roofing experts understand that the fascia of your home is an important part of the overall look and feel of your property. If you're facing any problems with your fascia, we can help.
When you hire Modern Seal Roofing experts, we'll come to your home and inspect your fascia for any damage or wear. We'll make sure that it's properly sealed against water leakage, which could lead to mould growth or even structural damage. We'll also check to see if there are any peeling sections of paint or missing nails that need to be fixed or replaced. And finally, we'll make sure that there aren't any other issues with your roofing system that might affect its long-term performance or durability.
For anything related to roof restoration in Frankston, feel free to contact our experts. We are here to serve homeowners across Melbourne.
