Prefinished Metal Fascia Panels Options

The second story of a home with dark blue siding and white trim.

If you don’t know exactly what fascia is—--don’t worry, we understand that prefinished fascia panels can be easy to overlook. However, from a stylistic and functional standpoint, fascia plays a critical role in the home’s exterior.

In this article, we’re going to talk about what fascia is, available material options and why prefinished metal fascia panels are the ideal choice. We will also discuss some stylistic options for prefinished metal fascia panels, so you will have all the information you need to make the best decision for your home.

What is Fascia?

A diagram labeling the underside corner of a roof with white soffit and fascia.

Located behind the gutters, fascia is the exposed horizontal board located at the end of the roof’s rafters.

Fascia panels serve several functional purposes, including:

Preventing the rafters from rotting
Working with the soffit system to cover the undersides eaves

The primary purpose is to protect the home from moisture damage and excess water buildup. Once you know where the fascia panels are, they’re hard to miss. Even though they are primarily functional, the look of the fascia panels can have a significant impact on the home. They give a roof a finished look which increases curb appeal.

Like most home exterior products, fascia panels can come prefinished, or you can paint them yourself. However, most people prefer the prefinished options because it saves time, ensures an even coat of paint and requires very little maintenance. Speaking of color, fascia panels can come in a variety of materials and styles. Let’s look at some of those now.

5 Common Fascia Materials

A zoomed in view of a home with off-white siding, soffit, and fascia and stone details.

The following fascia material options each have advantages and disadvantages. However, one is superior to the others. Let’s look at all the options to determine which material is suitable for you.

1. PVC

PVC is a man-made material that stands for polyvinyl chloride, which is essentially a type of plastic. As a result, it can come prefinished in various colors and reduces rot and water damage. However, PVC isn’t very durable and can expand as the temperature fluctuates due to its plastic composition. It also lacks the beauty of some of the other options.

2. Wood

Wood is the classic option. There’s no denying its timeless beauty and versatility. With countless wood species and easy installation, wood remains a popular choice for many homeowners. However, wood is highly vulnerable to water damage, rot, insects and fire. It also requires a lot of ongoing maintenance. Because the primary purpose of fascia panels is to resist water and moisture, many experts agree wood isn’t the best long-term solution.

3. Vinyl

Vinyl is a low-cost option for the budget-conscious homeowner. It can come in a variety of colors and styles and does a decent job of resisting moisture. However, vinyl is more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations, so it isn’t very durable. Additionally, many people don’t like the overall look and feel of vinyl fascia panels.

4. Fiber Cement

Fiber cement is a composite material made from recycled wood chips and epoxy resin. Fiber cement fascia panels are very durable and resist rot. However, many homeowners don’t find fiber cement panels aesthetically pleasing, even when painted. They’re also challenging to install, which will require expertise for installation and increase labor costs.

5. Aluminum

Aluminum fascia panels are durable, rot-resistant, stylish, low-maintenance and cost-effective, making them the all-around best material choice. Many experts agree prefinished metal fascia panels are the best option, thanks to their flexibility, durability and style.

Prefinished metal fascia panels do an exceptional job at resisting rot. Plus, with all the style options, aluminum is the clear fascia material winner.

Stylish Options with Prefinished Metal Fascia Panels

There are a couple of clear options for prefinished metal fascia panels. You can go with a smooth or wood grain look. In each instance, there are several color options, too. Here’s a closer look at both:

Smooth

Smooth prefinished metal fascia is exactly what it sounds like — it’s fascia with a smooth and sleek appearance. It can come in various colors, ranging from creams, beiges and grays to bolder colors like red, black and bronze.

A section of metal beige fascia on a white background.

Wood Grain

Prefinished metal fascia with a wood grain finish gives you the look of natural wood without the hassles associated with actual wood.

Getting Started with High-Quality Prefinished Metal Fascia Panels from Alsco®

Most homeowners want a durable, beautiful and low-maintenance option for their homes. That’s why prefinished metal fascia panels are a perfect choice.

At Alsco, we proudly carry high-quality prefinished metal fascia panels in smooth and woodgrain finishes. In addition, we also offer other home exterior products, like roofing accessories and trim coil.

So, whether you’re a professional or a homeowner, we’d love to work with you to help you achieve a beautiful exterior on your next project. Contact us today to locate a supplier near you.