Many elements make up your house’s exterior, and even if you’ve given a lot of thought to your walls and roof, you might not have heard of the fascia and siding. Despite their relatively minor obscurity, though, fascia and siding are both essential to your house’s structural integrity and longevity. The fascia, which is the lower edge of the house’s outer wall, is typically made of wood or vinyl and helps to provide support for the entire house. It also adds visual appeal by providing the only visible connection between the lower levels of the building. 

What is fascia is exactly?

A fascia is usually described as the lowest of the four posts that make up a soffit, the lowest of which (the topmost post) is typically called a tip. Other posts are placed in a circle around the tip. The combination of siding and fascia creates an extremely sturdy barrier to high winds, rain, snow, hail, and other weather-related damage that can compromise the health and structure of your home’s exterior.

What is the purpose of fascia and siding?

Why do you need fascia and siding in the first place? Because without it, the soil on which your grass grows would quickly erode due to constant wind. It provides support for your soffits, which help keep the roof from blowing away in strong storms, and keeps out cold winds that may threaten to gut your interior. In addition, a properly installed fascia and siding can provide aesthetic value to your house as well, helping it stand apart from its neighbors. Unfortunately, this added visual interest can come at a high cost, since poorly installed and unsightly fascia can make a house look less than attractive.

How do you install fascia and siding on your roof?

First, make sure that the soffits run parallel to your house, with the lowest edge of one siding or the bottom of a fascia resting directly above the ground line. After that, fix any issues with the joints by adding joint compound between adjacent pieces using galvanized steel or other metal that’s sturdy enough to withstand weathering. Fix any gaps between the gutters themselves using stainless steel.

what to do about rotting soffits

A common problem afflicting older soffits is rotting. Since older flat roofs aren’t quite as weather resistant as they used to be, your fascia and siding can quickly succumb to rotting if nothing is done to prevent it. rotting can result from wet and damp conditions, prolonged exposure to the sun, or even lack of maintenance. Most cases of rotting can be stopped by fixing these problems before the condition deteriorates further, but in some cases it may be necessary to replace the entire soffit. If rotting does progress to a point where the fascia and siding could crumble completely, consult with a licensed contractor who deals with fascia and siding installation and repair.

DIY fascia installation

The fascia board should be fixed to the underlying gutter system using stainless steel screws. The screws are positioned so that water will run only off the fascia board, allowing the water to properly drain. Be cautious when working with screws, however. Make sure to use the proper tools for the job. Low-carbon steel is usually best, as it won’t rust and is typically corrosion resistant. Don’t shortchange yourself by working with cheap low-carbon screws as you risk the possibility of them loosening up over time and allowing water to seep underneath.

When installing the fascia boards, be careful to leave about twelve inches of space at the top and bottom of the gutters. If you’re simply adding on a fascia board, leave a gap between it and the previous one. It’s also important to realize that a fascia board that’s been shortened or severed is not a good candidate for use with older roofs. Such a board would be too short for proper attachment and couldn’t handle the weight of the older roof.

One other option is to use a piece of wood that can be nailed to each side of the fascia board. When installing, make sure the fascia is straight and that nails are countersunk. The nail heads should be long enough to penetrate the wood to anchor each nail. You might also want to try using galvanized hardware, which is strong and durable and has a black finish. This adds a layer of defense against the elements and helps protect the fascia from rot and moisture damage. It’s a good idea to place the hardware at the bottom of the fascia, where it will be least affected by rainwater and snowmelt.