Everything You Need to Know About Frieze Board
A beautiful and functional home exterior requires a lot of little details. We all notice a home’s siding, roofing and windows, but there are often many smaller aspects that we don’t see immediately. However, these tiny details are often just as important as the larger ones in bringing the look together.
One such detail is frieze boards. If you want to learn more about frieze boards, you’ve come to the right place! From breaking down what a frieze board is to discussing installation, we’re covering everything you need to know about frieze board trim.
What is Frieze Board?
Frieze board is an exterior trim type that is usually installed between the siding and the soffit of a roof. It’s generally sold in strips and is offered in various materials, styles and colors to match any home’s design.
Frieze board serves a couple of important purposes. One of them is functional, and the other is aesthetic. Let’s take a closer look at why frieze board trim matters and its importance to a home’s exterior.
Why Frieze Board Trim Matters
Frieze board helps protect and cover the gap between the underside of the soffit and the home’s siding. Just like a soffit works to keep water out of the rafters beneath your gables, frieze boards prevent moisture buildup from getting underneath your siding. This added moisture protection helps prevent mold, warping, rot and crumble. It also keeps rodents and insects out of and away from your home.
Like all trim, frieze board trim helps to create a finished appearance for a home’s exterior. It helps hide gaps that would otherwise be visible and create better transitions between different areas of the home’s exterior.
The Various Applications of Frieze Board Trim
Frieze board has a few notable applications. While there might be other ways to use frieze board, these three are the most common applications:
Traditional Application
The most common application for frieze board trim is as a transitional piece of trim between the siding and the soffit. When people reference frieze board trim, they typically plan to use it in this traditional application.
Installed On A Gable
In addition to its usual location, frieze boards can also be installed on a gable. In this application, they serve as transitional trim and help to elevate a home's aesthetic.
Frieze Board vs. Fascia
If you're familiar with the parts of a roof, you might be wondering how the frieze board compares to the fascia. Fascia boards tie your overhangs and roof eaves together, whereas the frieze board lies flat at the top of the siding where it meets the soffit or eave line — illustrated below.
In other words, while both of these boards belong on a home's exterior, they serve different purposes and belong on different parts of the home’s exterior. Much like other subtle but crucial details—such as balcony or terrace waterproofing—frieze boards play a vital role in protecting your home from moisture while contributing to its overall aesthetic.
What is Frieze Board Trim Made From?
Frieze board comes in an array of material options. It most commonly comes in wood, fiber cement or aluminum. Here's a brief introduction to each of these types of frieze board trim:
Wood
Wood is the classic material option for a frieze board. It's relatively inexpensive and easy to install. It also can be painted to match any design aesthetic. However, wood has some notable downsides. Wood frieze board is susceptible to moisture, insect and fire damage and often requires a lot of ongoing maintenance to keep it looking great.
Fiber Cement
Known for its durability, fiber cement is a frieze board material option that's terrific for durability. It can withstand a variety of environments and can be pre-painted or pre-primed. However, fiber cement is heavy and expensive to install and buy, making it an unattractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a durable, cost-effective and attractive frieze board option. It requires very little ongoing maintenance, and installation is relatively straightforward. Aluminum also comes pre-painted and ready to install, so it fits any design aesthetic.
How Much Does Frieze Board Siding Cost?
The cost of a frieze board depends on many factors, including the material choice, manufacturer and installation. On average, frieze boards cost between $1 to $8 per linear foot.
Frieze Board Installation Basics
Frieze board is generally installed flat against a home's exterior. However, it can also be installed at an angle if it's being placed on a gable. In general, frieze board installation requires a few key things.
You want to use a trim board hook for a starter strip. You start by lining up the trim board hook with the edge and then nail it in place. Often, frieze board trim has a small lip that clips into the trim board hook securely, so it only requires you to hook it and slide it into place.
The Effectiveness of Frieze Board
Much like the cost, the effectiveness of frieze board trim depends on numerous factors, including material choice, installation effectiveness and more. Here are a few things to do to increase the effectiveness of your frieze board and ensure you end up with a high-quality option:
Choose a durable material, like aluminum.
Check the lifespan and warranty.
Go with professional installers over DIY.
Ensure you choose a color and style that matches your home's aesthetic.
Ask about how it will stand up in various climates.
Ultimately, you want to choose a quality manufacturer, and research and ask questions to maximize the effectiveness of frieze board trim.
Get Started with Top-Quality Trim Accessories from Alsco®
If you're looking for high-quality exterior trim products, you've come to the right place. At Alsco Metals, we specialize in crafting durable exterior trim products to complete your home project.
Contact our team of experts today to find the best exterior trim products for your project.