How to Fix Soffits and Fascias: Guide
Soffits and fascias are a crucial part of a building. Many property holders confuse the two though the dissimilarity between them is evident. Both soffits and fascias act as covering for the overhang of your roof. However, a soffit board is put beneath to protect the underside of your roof, while fascias face outwards.
Fixing soffits and fascias are simple for anyone with basic DIY understanding and experience. However, you can search “soffit repair contractors near me” to hire a professional in your area. The step-by-step guide takes you through the differences between fascia and soffits and how to fix the two.
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What Is a Soffit?
Soffit boards are like fascia, but instead of running parallel to the walls of the building, a roofer fits them at a 90-degree angle to the walls. Once fitted beneath fascia boards, the soffit plays a key in filling the gap between the fascia and the wall.
In addition, soffits create a clean finish on the building and block the gap between the roof and wall. Soffits also help to deliver ventilation and prevent pests or water from entering the roof space.
Different Types of Soffit Boards
Soffits come as plain, all-purpose soffit boards or vented soffit boards. The vented soffit boards reduce the risk of stuck moisture and soggy air accessing your roof space.
Soffit boards can also be hollow or solid. The hollow soffits are light and easy to install. Also, they come with a groove and tongue profile that you can use to line up during fitting to make sure that the soffit is straight.
What Is a Fascia?
Fascias are horizontal boards that run around the edge of the roof of a structure. They overhang the walls of your building and close the gap between the roof and the wall. Fascias play a significant role in preventing water and animal entrance into the roof and loft space.
Fascias also create a more visually pretty look than open or rough ends of roof rafters.
Different Types of Fascias
You can make fascias from various materials. However, the most familiar materials used to manufacture fascia include uPVC and wood. Unlike other products, wood is the most familiar raw material for fascias due to its affordability.
It is essential to treat the wood before use to avoid rotting due to its water-resistant nature. Also, the wooden fascia requires frequent repainting to replace peeled paintwork.
On the other hand, uPVC fascia is becoming popular as technology and manufacturing methods improve. The uPVC fascia boards come in diverse styles, colors, and shapes. So, you need not compromise on attaining the vision of your complete home.
Unlike wooden fascias, uPVC doesn’t rot or warp over time, making it a durable option for your building. Fascias are also maintenance-free.
How to Fit Soffits and Fascias
Below is an outline of how to fit soffits and fascias. You can also use the same steps when replacing rotten fascia and soffit. Though you can work from a ladder, other slick devices can make your work easier and safe.
Take the following steps before you start fitting the soffit and fascia.
⮚ First step
If you already have an existing soffit or fascia, start by removing the bottom row or two tiles on your roof, as well as any old fascia, guttering, bargeboards, and soffit. This helps in stopping any moisture that is already there from rotting the backup timber.
⮚ Second step
Check any damaged rafter felt and replace it with eaves or felt protectors.
⮚ Third step
Create a proper soffit’s support. You can do this using a noggin extended from the wall, add hangars to the rafter boards, or using roof rafters.
How to Fit Soffits
When fitting soffit boards in your building, start by measuring the width of space below the eaves from the wall to the external eave board. Though the measurements may vary from one building to another, a typical overhang should not be less than 12 inches.
Secondly, cut the soffit board to the correct width and length, and nail it to the timber using plastic capped pins or nails. The suitable nails or pins measurements range from 25 to 40 mm. Make sure the soffit is at 90 degrees to the wall, using lots of nails to stop any rattling arising upon high winds.
The third step when fitting a soffit is to make sure there is a gap between each soffit board to house a soffit joint trim. This creates a smooth finish and a gap of around 8-10mm to allow expansion. Failure to do this could make the soffit warp, crack or split.
The last step is to install any joint trims and end caps to form a smooth and stable finish. Also, secure all end caps and cover all holes that act as bird’s access points.
How to Fit Fascia Boards
Installing fascia follows similar steps as soffits, whether using wooden or uPVC fascia boards. The only difference may be the elements you use to secure the fascia boards.
Use the following steps to fit your fascias.
Start by laying the fascia board level with the front of the soffit board, and fix it onto the rafters using stainless steel nails. Each rafter should have two equally spaced nails to grasp the fascia into place.
Make sure the fascia is not wide to block your windows from opening. Also, ensure that the fascia is very secure since it will be supporting the weight of gutters and the roof tiles.
Finish your work by covering box ends using a single piece of fascia. You can also use fascia corners and trims to make a clean striking finish.
Final Words
Soffits and fascias serve a crucial role in protecting your building. To ensure that both serve their intended purpose, make sure your soffit and fascia are correctly installed and adequately waterproofed. If you can’t do the fixing by yourself, hire the services of an expert for a beautiful finish.