Whenever you hear about roofs and roof repair, you may hear about soffits and fascia. All too frequently overlooked, the soffit and fascia are an important part of having a functional roof. Often mentioned together, it can be confusing when they are then distinguished from each other in regards to function and what part of the roof they are. Why always pair them together in a sentence if they do different things? What is the difference between soffit and fascia?

What Does A Soffit Do?

Soffits provide essential protection to your roof. The soffit is the exposed board under the overhanging eaves of your roof that goes under the fascia board. Soffits protect your roofing system from the elements by forming a barrier between your roof system and the elements. 

Without soffits, snow, hail, wind, and other forms of weather like rain can get up into your roof and damage it, either from the weather itself or from resulting rot. Rot can create serious problems for the insulation, rafters, and drywall of your house. This would reduce your roof’s longevity and make it need more repairs. 

Soffits also ventilate your attic and assist with the circulation of air through your home. Soffits are designed with small holes specifically for this purpose. The circulation of air the soffits promote draws heat and moisture from your home. Without this circulation, your home could develop a mold problem. 

Soffits aren’t just useful for practical purposes – they also have aesthetic appeal. Because soffits cover your rafters and eaves, they make your home look more put-together and finished.

What Does A Fascia Do?

Like soffits, a fascia board also protects your roof. Fascia boards are vertical boards that go on the edges of your roof’s rafters, right above the soffits. Fascia boards protect the part of your roof that’s exposed to your gutters from water damage. They also protect your roofing system from the elements.

Fascia boards up your home’s appearance, too. By covering the rafters and interior structure of your roof, they present a polished finish.

Why Are Soffit And Fascia Always Mentioned Together?

Soffit and fascia are almost always mentioned together because they work together to protect your roof and provide aesthetic appeal. Soffit and fascia both keep weather from damaging your roofing system. They both conceal your rafters from view. They work in conjunction with each other to reduce risk of weather damage, water damage, rot, and mold. Soffit and fascia also help each other out.

Because the fascia boards form a barrier between the gutter and the soffit, fascia boards shield soffits from the gutter and potential resulting damage. They provide vertical protection; soffits provide horizontal protection under the eaves of the roof. Soffits help fascia boards by covering what they don’t. Since soffit and fascia boards keep water out of your roofing system, they bring down potential for leaks and flooding. 

Both soffit and fascia boards keep pests out of your roofing system, as well. If your rafters were left exposed, that presents a tempting potential nesting place for birds. You might also struggle with other pests that you wouldn’t if you had soffit and fascia boards. 

Together, soffit and fascia boards extend the longevity of your roof. They prevent decay, offer protection against multiple factors, and make your house more aesthetically appealing just by being there and doing their jobs.

What If My Soffit And Fascia Boards Get Damaged?

Just like any other part of the roof, soffit and fascia boards can need repairs too. Either from the wear and tear of their function, damage, pests, or any other potential factors, soffit and fascia boards can break and ergo, leave your home at risk for potentially very expensive damage. If your soffit and fascia boards need repairs, it’s important to call a professional to come out and fix them for you.

Do You Need Soffit And Fascia Repairs?

Here at KangaRoof, we understand how important soffit and fascia boards are for your roof and your home. If you need soffit and fascia repairs, any other roof repair, or have questions about any other roofing services we offer, contact our experts at KangaRoof today! We’ll hop to it.