Surprisingly to most homeowners, your roof is made up of many pieces and parts other than the actual roofing material. Many consider the roofing material, such as shingles, tiles, or metal, to be the only part of their roof they need to be concerned about. However, in reality, a roof has several aspects that make up the entire roofing system. 

One essential piece of the roofing system is the fascia. 

Equally vulnerable to the elements, the fascia can become damaged and is susceptible to rot. Being informed will help you as a homeowner discover if there is an issue with your fascia and what you can do about it.

What is Fascia?

Fascia boards are identified as the vertical, long boards that run along the lower edge of the roof. Most commonly made of wood, fascia can also be made from aluminum, vinyl, or plastic. The fascia is often confused with the soffits, which run horizontally and cover the underside of the roof overhang.

These fascia boards add a layer of protection to the edge of the roof, which is often vulnerable to not only water intrusion, but also birds, bugs, and other critters who can make their way inside. Without the fascia, your home would be at risk of a dangerous leak and damage to the rest of the roofing system. Additionally, the fascia adds an aesthetic appeal to your house as the roof would look incomplete and rough without it.

What causes the fascia to rot?

Due to its vulnerable position, fascia boards are easily damaged and will begin to rot, sometimes even before you know you have an issue. Most commonly, these boards will start rotting because the roof or gutters have not been installed correctly. Both are designed to push water away from the home, but when incorrectly installed, water can puddle and find its way to various pieces of the roofing system. 

Gutters are frequently attached to fascia boards. Even if they are installed correctly, the gutters can still cause damage to the boards. If the gutters are clogged, water will overflow out of them and seep its way into the fascia. Additionally, gutter seams and corners are especially susceptible to rot because of their increased vulnerability. Keeping your gutters clear will help keep water away from the facia and free from rot. Be sure to keep an eye on downspouts for clogging and check underground drains if you suspect an issue.

What can you do about it? 

Being an informed homeowner is a best practice that we often help our customers with and this includes understanding the fascia. Now that you know what the fascia is and the purpose it serves, knowing the signs that there is an issue will allow you to fix it before it becomes a severe problem. A few signs your fascia is rotting:

• Peeling Paint: The most obvious sign that your fascia has suffered damage, flaking or peeling pain is a sign you should further examine your roof for an issue. 
• Stains or Streaks: Another physical, but not so obvious sign of a problem. This could be water stains or dirt streaks from clogged drains. 
• Sagging Gutters: Since gutters are often attached to the fascia, if they are sagging, there is likely an issue with the fascia. When the wood becomes soft, the nails will not have anything to attach to and the gutters will sag. 
• Soft Patches: If the fascia is rotting, the wood will be soft. While you might not be able to easily spot these areas, they can be discovered during a routine roofing inspection. Soft patches also can easily lead to hole formation and further significant damage.

Ask A Professional

The best way to deal with rotting fascia is work with a professional. They will easily be able to identify rot within the fascia boards and provide you with the support to repair. If you suspect there is an issue with your roof or fascia, safety is always most important. Inspecting the boards can be challenging for homeowners without the proper tools and gear. 

If you are in need of a professional roofing company in the East Valley, contact Craven Construction today. Our team is highly experienced with all aspects of the roofing system, including the fascia. We offer FREE estimates for all roofing repairs. Contact our office to schedule yours today! 

Are you concerned your fascia is rotting?

About Craven Construction

Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.

Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.