Types of fascia boards
Most homeowners consider fascias just to be a decorative part of the roofing system. But they are an integral part of the roof and play an important role in protecting the roof and your home. If you are installing a new roof or having problems with your existing fascia boards, you need to consider installing new ones. You can find many different types of fascia boards in the market. You need to consider the pros and cons of each and match it to your preferences and your budget to help you pick the right one for your home.
Composite Fascia Boards
Composite fascia boards are made of recycled wood chips, plastic, and sawdust bonded together using epoxy resin. Even though they are not as popular as wooden fascias, they are fast catching the eyes of homeowners because of the many benefits they have to offer.
Advantages
The composite material does not rot.
They are colorfast and do not decay very easily.
They can be cut, nailed, screwed, and installed easily on the roof like wooden fascia.
They are highly durable.
Disadvantages
cannot be refinished, and their color choice is limited.
They are quite expensive compared to other fascia materials.
The cost of repair is also very high.
Wood Fascia Board
Wood fascias are the most common fascia board material. These are usually made of cedar, redwood, pine, spruce, or fir. You can also choose to prime and paint them to match the characteristics of your house.
Advantages
Wood fascia is beautiful and offers a natural look to the house.
They are quite affordable.
They are water-resistant.
They can help give your house a classic or rustic look.
They are quite sturdy and resilient against weather elements when painted.
Disadvantages
The cost of repair and maintenance is higher than other materials.
The durability is depended on the quality of paint and the primer used.
Aluminum Fascia Trim
Aluminum fascias are becoming quite popular type of fascia board as they are considered to be a better version of wooden trim. Even though they are a little more expensive, they are also highly durable. This is a big help in eliminating fascia and soffit repair issues. Additionally, there are a few pros and cons of using this material.
Advantages
They are highly versatile and flexible.
These are often used along with wooden fascias to protect wood against weathering.
They’re easy to cut and install.
They are durable, and maintenance cost is quite low.
You can also paint over them.
Disadvantages
The installation cost is high as it requires specialized skills.
They can get dents and scratches more easily.
They can show rust when they are installed with steel nails.
Vinyl Fascias
If you are looking to install fascias boards on your own, vinyl material is the best option. Vinyl is also widely used for soffits as well and is an accepted building code standard. It is also very easy to match or complement your siding.
Advantages
It is highly durable and very easy to install.
It is available in a variety of colors.
The cost of repairs and maintenance is low.
Discoloration can be sprayed and wiped down.
Disavantages
It requires a tight seal to keep it waterproof.
If moisture seeps through it, the interiors can be damaged.
It expands and contracts with temperature changes.
Its color can eventually fade with exposure to the sun.
