Although they play important roles in protecting your home, soffits and fascia don’t generally receive the same attention as your roof or siding. These odd-sounding terms are critical parts of your residential roofing system. If one or both experience a problem, your home could be at risk of suffering a number of issues. Here’s what you need to know.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Soffits & Fascia 

What Are Soffits?

Soffits are the boards situated just beneath the overhanging portion of your roof. Constructed of dependable materials like vinyl and steel, soffits improve your property’s appearance. Without them, the structural beams beneath your residential roofing would be exposed. Because soffits are available in a wide range of colors and styles, they’re easy to match to your existing architecture.

Beyond its aesthetic benefits, soffits also prevent inclement weather from damaging your rafters. Without this protection, moisture exposure could cause rotting wood or mold to develop and lead to costly replacements. A properly vented soffit promotes better air circulation and ensures that your home remains comfortable year-round. To maintain your soffit, check and address holes, cracks, mold, bird nests or insects. 

What Are Fascia?

Fascias are vertical strips or bands of material at the end of your roof rafters. They sit at a right angle to horizontal or slightly angled soffits, so they’re visible from the street. Like soffits, fascias are available in a wide range of colors to complement the appearance of your residential roofing and siding. They’re typically constructed of vinyl, aluminum, or wood.

The fascia is one of your home’s most important defense mechanisms against moisture. Its role is to block moisture from causing damage to the roof or the inside of the house. It can also provide structural support for your gutters and downspouts, ensuring they’re able to direct rainwater away from the property. 

If you notice damage to your soffit, fascia, or other roofing elements, a professional roofer will address the underlying problem. Homeowners and business owners throughout Elkridge, MD, trust in the capable contractors at Columbia Roofing. Offering over 30 years of experience to the entire Maryland corridor and Washington, D.C., the residential roofing experts at this family-owned company handle everything from standard roof repairs to complex installations. As leaders in the field, they boast an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau® and were awarded the 2015 Super Service Award from Angie’s List®. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (410) 379-6100 to request a quote.