What is the Best Material for Fascia?
Alt Text: Two white structures have black fascia and soffit.
When it comes to fascia, there are a variety of materials available, so it can be difficult to know which material is the best choice for your project. Wood may seem like an obvious option, but it's prone to rotting and warping over time. PVC and vinyl also have their drawbacks such as cost, fading in direct sunlight, or cracking due to extreme temperatures.
But don’t worry! There is a fascia solution that brings form and function to the table — aluminum. Not only does aluminum offer superior durability against weathering and temperature changes, but today's aluminum trim products are beautiful as well.
Let’s take a closer look at fascia boards, the common material used and why aluminum is the best option on the market.
Understanding the Purpose of Fascia Boards
Alt Text: This diagram shows the location of a fascia and soffit on a home.
A fascia board is a horizontal wooden board that is attached to the rafters or trusses of a house and is located at the edge of the roof. The purpose of fascia boards is both functional and aesthetic:
To cover up the ends of the roof rafters
Prevent pests like insects, squirrels or raccoons from entering the attic space
Hide the insulation and other materials that may be exposed to view
Provide a surface that comes in a variety of colors to complement the exterior of a home or business
There are two more important functions that fascia serves:
1. To protect the structure from moisture entering through that large open area at the roof's edge. It accomplishes this by supporting the gutter system, which catches the water from the roof and channels it away from the home.
2. To provide an additional means of support for the soffit under the eaves.
Most Common Fascia Materials
Fascia has been traditionally made from wood, but other materials have been used in recent years, such as composites.
Wood
Wood is a very popular material for fascia boards due to its natural strength, relatively low cost and easy availability. It is often made of redwood, cedar or pine. Wood fascia is strong, durable and relatively inexpensive, but it does require regular maintenance. You need to regularly inspect, seal, scrap and paint all wood fascia regardless of its species.
PVC and Vinyl
PVC fascia is made of plastic and is becoming increasingly popular due to its low maintenance requirements and resistance to rot, decay and insects. PVC fascia is also lightweight, which makes it easy to install. However, it is typically more expensive than wood fascia and may not hold paint as well as wood.
Vinyl fascia is similar to PVC fascia in that it is also made of plastic and is low maintenance and resistant to rot, decay and insects. Vinyl fascia is lightweight and easy to install. However, it tends to be more flexible than PVC fascia and may be more prone to warping or sagging over time.
PVC and vinyl are great choices for fascia boards due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. However, they can be susceptible to fading in direct sunlight or cracking due to extreme temperatures.
Composite and Fiber Cement Fascia Boards
Composite and fiber cement fascia boards provide excellent rot resistance and durability, however, they can be more expensive than regular wood boards. Composite materials cannot be painted like regular wood, but if customization is not at the top of your list, then a combination board may prove to be an ideal option for you.
Fiber cement boards—while incredibly durable—are much heavier than composite and will add to your installation costs.
Aluminum Fascia Provides Beauty and Durability
Alt Text: This Image shows a blue house with white trim and fascia.
Aluminum fascia is like a wrap or covering over the wooden fascia board. It acts as a sealer and helps to prevent rot and decay by keeping moisture from infiltrating the wood pores. There are many reasons to utilize aluminum fascia over the other options:
Aluminum fascia is low maintenance and easy to clean
It won't rot, warp or crack like wood
Aluminum fascia is more durable than wood or PVC/vinyl, so it will last longer
It's also insect and termite resistant
It is non-combustible, so it's safer than wood fascia
Aluminum fascia won't rust, even if it's exposed to moisture
It's environmentally friendly because it can be recycled
Aluminum fascia is low-cost and easy to find
Today's Aluminum Fascia from Alsco Metals: A Modern Solution for Enhanced Weather Resistance and Longevity
As homeowners and business owners, you have an important decision to make when it comes to the materials used for fascia boards. You want a product that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable enough to withstand the elements. Alsco Metals offers aluminum products that are designed to last.
Our entire line of high-quality aluminum trim products is designed with durability in mind, using advanced technology to craft strong yet lightweight products for roofing and siding. If you’re looking for the perfect material for your fascia boards that will stand the test of time without sacrificing aesthetics, then look no further than Alsco Metals.
Contact us today for more information!