The fascia and soffit components play a vital role in protecting your home. Unfortunately, there may come a time when they experience damage and need to be replaced. Whether there is damage to your existing fascia or soffit or you simply want to change the appearance of your home, it is important to know the different fascia and soffit materials that are available to choose from.
Fascia and Soffit Materials Available
When it comes time to replace your fascia and soffit, knowing the different material options and what they have to offer can make all of the difference in helping you decide which one to go with. There are several different materials available to choose from.
1. Wood Materials
Wood is one of the most popular choices of materials for the fascia and soffit.
Fascia Boards
Many people select wood for fascia boards because of the fact that it is extremely easy to paint. This provides homeowners with the freedom to match their new fascias with their existing color scheme or select a color to add a touch of contrast to their design.
The most common woods used for fascia boards are fir, redwood, cedar, and pine. It is important to select one that is resistant to rot and moisture to ensure it will last.
Soffits
Using wood for soffits provides a touch of warmth while modernizing the exterior appearance of the home. Most homeowners go with either plywood or a solid wood option.
It is imperative to select wood that is pressure-treated in order to prevent damage from pests and rotting. You should note that wood tends to be less resistant to moisture, less durable, and more flammable than some other material options for soffits.
2. PVC
PVC is another popular choice for both fascia and soffit finishes. PVC, which is short for Polyvinyl Chloride, is a very durable and lightweight plastic. This material is often used for plumbing piping, but it is also an excellent choice for these exterior components.
Fascia Boards
As one of the most budget-friendly materials, PVC is a great choice for fascia boards on residential and commercial structures. However, it is important to note that this material may contain BPA and phthalates, which can create harmful fumes if they are exposed to extreme temperatures.
Soffits
PVC is another reliable material choice for soffits. This material is low-cost but incredibly effective for protecting your home from rot and water damage. However, it may not be the most eco-friendly material to choose.
3. Unplasticized Vinyl
In addition to PVC, many homeowners select a second type of vinyl product known as Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, or uPVC. This material tends to be more environmentally friendly than standard PVC for fascia and soffit finishes.
Fascia Boards
uPVC is an excellent choice for replacing wood fascia boards in your home. This material can be designed to look like a variety of materials, including stone, wood, or metal. It is also stronger and more durable than other materials and less likely to warp. It is great for climates that are hot and dry due to the fact that it is fire-resistant. Finally, many homeowners appreciate that it is a recyclable material, making it more environmentally friendly.
Soffits
The smooth surface and water resistance of uPVC make it an excellent material for soffits. This material performs extremely well in storms, ensuring adequate protection for homes that are exposed to harsh weather conditions and storms frequently.
Although you will pay a little more for uPVC when compared to PVC, it has far more varieties to choose from for designs. This material works well for vented, hollow, and solid soffits.
4. Aluminum
Aluminum is another excellent choice for both fascia and soffit boards. This material tends to be more pricier than PVC and uPVC and does provide less insulation. However, it is much easier to work with, which is why it is so popular for homes that have unique roof styles and designs.
Fascia Boards
Aluminum is a great choice for fascia boards because it is rot-resistant, lightweight, paint-friendly, fire-resistant, and water-resistant. This ensures adequate protection while providing homeowners with the freedom to paint them and customize them to their liking.
Aluminum requires very little maintenance, which is another excellent benefit that comes with selecting this material. However, you may need to invest in some attic insulation due to the fact that the aluminum is quite thin and does not prevent much cool air from entering the home. It is important to note that aluminum can dent and bend easily, which can impact the appearance of your home.
Soffits
Aluminum is an excellent material for soffits due to the fact that it provides exceptional waterproofing for homes. This material also works well to prevent pest infestations than wood materials do.
Having well-ventilated aluminum soffits can help prevent ice dams and the associated damage that can impact your roof, edge materials, and gutters.
5. Fiber Cement
Fiber cement fascia and soffit boards are another common option. This material is often referred to as composite boards and is made of sawdust, epoxy resin, and recycled woodchips.
Fascia Boards
When used for fascia boards, fiber cement is resistant to mold and water damage. It is also far more durable than traditional wood materials. However, it does cost a bit more. For this reason, many homeowners shy away from this material and select more affordable options. It is important to note that although this material may cost more upfront, it will typically last longer than wood materials, which can save you money in the long run.
Soffits
Fiber cement is an excellent material for soffits, especially for homes designed with decks that have composite materials. This creates a more aesthetically pleasing appearance by tying these elements together. Fiber cement combines the water-resistant characteristics of plastic with the appearance of wood, giving you the best of both materials at once.
Let Our Experts Help You Decide!
If you are in need of a roof repair or you would like to discuss the options available for your fascia and soffit materials, contact our professionals at Amenity Roofing. We can meet with you for a free estimate to discuss your specific needs. We will review all of the options available and help to determine what material will work best for helping you achieve your goals. To get started, reach out to our roofing experts today at (630) 636-9954 to schedule a free estimate.
