What Are Soffit and Fascia?

Many homeowners may not understand what soffit and fascia are, but these components play an essential role in protecting roof eaves from damage. Without them, your home could suffer serious consequences, including pest infestations, extensive roof damage and rising energy bills.

Fascia and soffit boards may appear decorative, but their role is actually quite critical for protecting against moisture damage to your roof and pest infestation. Soffits form part of your ventilation system while fascia boards cover rafters to shield them from water or mold damage.

Ideally, fascia and soffit should be constructed of the same material and painted the same hue to achieve an uniform aesthetic. However, some homeowners may prefer different materials if they wish for greater style options and color options.

Wood fascia and soffits have long been an economical and attractive choice, thanks to their ability to be painted or stained to match your house's exterior and relatively low costs. But wood requires regular care to avoid rot and insect infestation.

Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) is an ideal material for soffits due to its affordability, better insulation properties and non-rot properties. You can purchase both hollow and solid styles.