Let’s find out what Fascias & Soffits actually are.
Most of us have heard the phrase “fascias and soffits” more than a few times. However, those without much technical expertise in the DIY industry may be in the dark somewhat as to what they actually are.
Even basic knowledge about fascias and soffits will help you get them installed in a way that is useful as well as giving a good look to the exterior of your home. Also, you may find out if there is any elemental damage to fascias and soffits of your house and apply repairs before it gets any worse.
What are fascias and soffits?
Put simply, fascias are the boarding which caps the edge of rafters around the outside of your home. Generally situated vertically under the roof’s edge, fascias are visible to the outside viewer. Just below the fascia is the soffit, (sometimes known as an eave), which is the smooth surface below the fascias and rafters which overhangs the walls of the building.
What do they do?
Getting the Soffit on the front of the house repaired – Photo Courtesy: ilovebutter
Fascias often have guttering attached to them, making them especially important for improving water drainage from your roof, keeping it in tip top condition. The soffit has no particular structural purpose, rather is in place to provide a clean finished look to the property, through disguising unsightly rafters.
So how do I choose the right type of fascias and soffits?
There are many factors which will come into consideration in your search for fascias and soffits. However, before you begin, it is important to do some background research. Take a look at online reviews, as well as guides on how to install and clean different products.
Beautifully carved Fascias on the front of Bow House – Church Lane, Sherborne in Dorset, England – Photo Courtesy: Elliott Brown
Materials: Naturally one of your biggest considerations will be cost. Whilst it is important to keep within a realistic budget, it is certainly worth investing a little more in a material which will have long term benefits for your home. Available in vinyl, aluminum and wood, your main point to bear in mind should be durability.
Wooden Fascias: One of the most notable advantages of wooden fascias is that they can be painted, and are therefore easily adapted to suit your home. However, it is worth remembering that no matter how well it is sealed, wood is liable to rot, thus creating the need for replacement much more quickly – often within around 5 years.
Aluminum or Vinyl Fascias: Aluminum or vinyl fascias on the other hand are a good choice for anyone planning on staying in their current abode for a longer period of time. Whilst they tend to cost a little more at first, this tends to be a more cost-effective option in the long run. In fact you could even be adding to the value of your home.
Durability: The only downside to aluminum fascias however, is that they are generally agreed to be not as aesthetically pleasing as their wooden counterparts. With this in mind, vinyl fascias may be the happy medium for a lot of people, more durable than wood, but less expensive than aluminum and usually more attractive.
For more information and advice on the best type of fascias, soffits and guttering for your home, it is worth contacting a reputable provider with plenty of experience in the industry. BC Profiles provide uPVC fascias and soffits, as well as wide range of guttering and drainage products at competitive prices.
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