When it comes to your home, knowledge is power. The more you know about the roof, one of the most important aspects of any home, the better. There are parts of the roofing system that rarely get talked about. Shingles and gutters get all the attention while soffit and fascia board are ignored. It’s time to get educated about two very important parts of your roof.

Soffit

Soffit is the material that covers the underside of the roof and is usually made out of aluminum and vinyl. It covers the rafter beams that make up your eaves. The easiest way to identify it is to look under any edge around your roof. It should be covered with soffit, like paneling. Adding character to your home is easy with soffit. Soffit comes in many styles and colors, allowing for the freedom of choice when it comes time to replace them.
While it serves an esthetic purpose, it also serves for functionality. Soffit protects rafters from the elements. Mold buildup and rotted beams can become a serious problem without effective soffit. Not only are they unsightly but they are also unhealthy.
Homeowners can also vent soffit to help with airflow through the vents, therefore providing better air circulation to the attic. To increase air circulation but cut the amount of moisture that can enter through the vents, lanced style vents are the best product. Without proper air circulation, your attic would attract and hold in heat in the summer months. This could lead to increased temperatures throughout the house, as well as increased utility bills. In the winter months, the moisture would build up and lead to rotting and/or mold in the rafters.

Fascia

Fascia serves a similar purpose as soffit. It is a type of roof trim that creates a layer between the outside and the edge of the roof. It is placed on the exposed ends of rafters or the top of exterior walls. It offers further protection for your roof and house from weather damage. While soffit faces the ground, fascia faces outward. Picture yourself standing in front of your house and looking at where the shingles end. The fascia is the material that meets the shingles perpendicularly. Not only does it protect the rafters and your home from the elements, but it also creates a smooth aesthetic along the edge of the roof.