How to Know the Difference Between Soffit and Fascia

You may have heard the terms “soffit” and “fascia” but have no idea what they are or what you need to do about them as a homeowner.

We are going to attempt to explain the differences between soffit and fascia. While they are often used in tandem, they both serve a equal but similar duty of protecting your house from the elements.

What Is A Soffit?

A soffit is a covering between the outer edges of a roof and the adjacent wall of the house. If you stand under your roof’s overhang and look up, you will stare directly at the soffit, provided that your roof has one. The soffit actually plays an important role in preventing moisture damage to a roof as well as the house it sits upon.

Unlike wood, which has a tendency to rot when exposed to moisture, vinyl will not easily degrade over time. As houses age and gutters aren’t properly maintained, water has a way of seeping into the soffit area and sitting there for extended periods of time. A wet wooden soffit can quickly decay, thereby putting the rest of the roof and the associated home at risk. Vinyl, however, is able to withstand such circumstances. Vinyl is also cost-effective in the grand scheme of construction-related materials; the cost of replacing an old soffit with a new vinyl one is unlikely to break the bank.

Not only will a vinyl soffit help keep your property water-free, it can also saves you energy. AA Gutters can install vented vinyl soffits that allow for the circulation of air into your attic space while keeping moisture out of the picture. The increase of air flow can actually save you money by dissipating attic heat and cooling your house in the process.

What Is Fascia?

Fascia board is a type of roof trim which is commonly used on houses. It is mounted on the exposed ends of rafters or the top of exterior walls to create a layer between the edge of the roof and the outside. In addition to serving an aesthetic function by creating a smooth, even appearance on the edge of the roof, fascia board also protects the roof and the interior of the house from weather damage. Not all styles of home design feature fascia board, but many do.