Soffit and fascia are architectural elements that put a finishing touch on your home—not only do they look appealing, but they add some functionality as well. These sidings are often overlooked but they play a key role in the design and function of your house.
What is Soffit?
Soffit is the little bit of exposed siding that is found underneath the overhang of a roof. It’s not visible and does not impact curb appeal. Soffit can be made from any material used to make siding, including wood, aluminum, or vinyl. The material you go with will have the same characteristics as if it were siding—i.e. vinyl soffit will be the same as vinyl siding.
Soffit is important for many reasons. For one, it has venting that allows steady airflow between your root and your attic. It may not seem important to have steady airflow in your attic, but this airflow greatly decreases your odds of mold growth. It will allow ventilation and keep out moisture, making it much more difficult for mold to sprout. Soffit can also help to release heat from your attic during the hot summer months. It also helps to keep insects, animals, and other pests out of your house. Any crack or holes leaves your house vulnerable to insects and pests.
What is Fascia?
Fascia is the area of siding that is located directly above the soffit. Unlike soffit, it is exposed and can impact your curb appeal. Fascia is the exposed board you see on the front of your roof’s overhang—your fascia is also where gutters are placed. Because of its located, fascia is very visible to passers-by. Fascia can be made of aluminum, wood, or vinyl. It consists of a long straight board that borders the edge of the roof and provides support for the bottom row of roof tiles or shingles. Fascia is also extremely important because it is the area where gutters are installed, so it needs to be sturdy and reliable.
Choosing Soffit and Fascia
There are a few things you want to take into consideration when choosing your soffit and fascia. The three main things to consider are material, style, and color. The material will determine how protected your home is against the elements and potential pests. Both soffit and fascia come in a variety of materials, mainly materials similar to siding such as vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Style can factor in to look and ventilation. The style of your soffit will determine the amount of airflow getting into your house. Also, the style of your fascia will set a precedent for the overall style of your home. Color won’t matter so much for soffit, because it’s not visible. But again, fascia will weigh in on your curb appeal. Your fascia should match the exterior of your home.
Ready to improve your homes curb appeal by installing soffit and fascia siding? Contact us at Mountain States Window and Siding today!
