When it comes to the parts of a roof, eaves, shingles, and chimneys get all the glory. Most people know what they’re for and what they look like. But there are many other less familiar components with names that may sound strange at first listen. Yet, they all play important roles for your home, whether they’re aesthetic, practical, or both.
Two of these lesser known parts are soffit and fascia. Both are finished surfaces on your roof that help keep you safe and warm, but they can pose challenges to the inexperienced. Without the required expertise, fixing and maintaining them yourself could end up costing you.
Luckily, any reputable roofing company in Toronto will include soffit and fascia among their services and be able to explain to you why they matter. Only the very best will take the time to expand a client’s knowledge about their own property.
Fascia
Fascia board, pronounced fa-sea-ah, refers to the surface under the edge of your roof. It’s connected to the rafters, where the roof and the gutters meet, and is usually made from wood that’s susceptible to harsh weather. In the image, look for the thin vertical strip of yellow immediately under the house’s gutters. Though it may be hard to locate, its uses are far from trivial.
For one, fascia acts as a barrier between nature and the roof’s perimeter. If it were to rot and split due to faulty eaves or a bad storm, you may find yourself dealing with water damage or worse: a family of raccoons, bats, or squirrels that let themselves in during the night. This is why regular maintenance is a must.
On the aesthetic side of things, roofers should offer fascia in a variety of colours to match your home’s intended style. When chosen mindfully, it lends a sense of order and precision to any roof without having to cover much surface area.
Soffit
Soffit, pronounce saw-fit, is the surface beneath the fascia that makes up the underside of the overhanging portion of your roof. In the image, look for the horizontal yellow surface beneath the fascia.
It usually comes peppered with small holes that promote even airflow and help direct heat and moisture out of the attic. This not only prevents the formation of rot and mold; it also improves the overall quality of air in the home and thus the health of your family. To maximize these benefits, soffit should be made from durable, water-resistant materials like vinyl or UPVC.
Much like fascia, soffit presents an opportunity to enhance a home with a complementary design choice. The right colour, paired with the right style, whether smooth or panelled, can add more than a little life to parts of a home that are rarely thought of except when there’s a problem.
The major thing to remember about soffits is that their holes represent a possible entry point for bugs and other tiny animals. Reaching out to a local professional at the first sign of degradation is key to keeping this from happening.
When it comes to the roofing trade, an expert should walk you through their work in language you can understand. Regardless of how complex the job, you should have no doubts about what you’re paying for and why it’s necessary. Brushing up on industry lingo, like soffit and fascia, is one way to take matters into your own hands and contribute to the thoroughness of your contractor’s work.