What Is Fascia on a House? Here's When to Use It

Learn the purpose of fascia on a house, and how it differs from trim and soffit.

Whether you're building a home or planning a renovation, understanding the difference between fascia, soffit, and other exterior finishes will help you coordinate the exterior materials for your dream home. Plus, learning the proper construction terminology makes it easier to communicate your goals to your contractor. If you've been around the home design world, you likely have a loose idea of what these terms mean, but distinguishing between fascia, soffit, and trim can be tricky. To help you prepare for your next remodel, we'll explain the differences so you know when (and where) to use each one. Learn what fascia is on a house and how it differs from other exterior features.

Related: 15 Popular Roof Styles and Materials to Consider for Your Home

What Is Fascia?

Fascia is the material that covers the roofing framework at the outermost edge of a roof overhang and gives the roof a finished look. Fascia is often confused for soffit, the portion of exterior cladding that covers the underside of the roof's overhang. Together, fascia and soffit can completely conceal the roofing framework, serving both an aesthetic role and many functional roles.

Tip

Still trying to differentiate between fascia and soffit? Look at your roof from the front yard, and the fascia will be facing you. Next, look at your roof from beneath the eave, and the soffit will be facing you.

Fascia vs. Trim: What's the Difference?

Fascia and trim can be easily confused, as fascia is technically a specific type of trim placed on the roofline. However, when someone says "trim" in regard to a home's exterior, they're likely referring to various trim pieces on the walls, windows, doors, and attic vents. To make matters more confusing, some wooden fascias are wrapped with a sheet of metal that is called "trim." While they can be found in different locations, fascia and trim serve similar purposes on a home's exterior, such as improving the appearance, keeping moisture out, and preventing pest entry.

Related: How to Install Exterior Door Trim for a Quick Update

The Purpose of Fascia

Fascia serves many different purposes on a home's exterior. It improves the appearance of the home and gives the roofline a finished look by covering the rafters and trusses. Just like other trims, it can be used to match or contrast the siding. Some home designs forgo fascia to intentionally leave the ends of the frame visible, which lends a rustic look. However, these homes include other cladding in place to protect the interior of the home.

Beyond aesthetics, fascia protects the more vulnerable interior roof components against mold, mildew, pests, and other threats. Fascia also serves a structural purpose, particularly on homes with gutters and downspouts, as it provides a firm mounting point.

Types of Fascia Materials

Fascia comes in many different materials, with the most popular being PVC, wood, aluminum, vinyl, and fiber cement. Each type of fascia material has pros and cons that may make it work better or worse in a given location or home type.

Wood Fascia

Wood is one of the most commonly used fascia materials and the one with the longest history of use. Wood fascia is beautiful—there's a reason other fascia materials mimic its looks. However, wood requires more upkeep than other fascia materials and is prone to rot, decay, and pest issues.

PVC Fascia

PVC (the same PVC as the pipes) is a popular fascia material. Often designed to imitate wood fascia, PVC fascia doesn't face the same challenges presented by wood, such as the risk of water or pest damage. While PVC fascia is generally worry-free, it can be prone to cracking and fading in direct sun.

Aluminum Fascia

Aluminum is a great material option for fascia, but it comes at a higher price point than other materials. Like PVC, aluminum fascia won't rot or succumb to pests. Plus, you don't have to worry about aluminum rusting because it isn't a ferrous metal.

Vinyl Fascia

Vinyl fascia has similar qualities to PVC, although it is pricier. It resists rot and decay, moisture damage, and pest issues. Best of all, vinyl fascia doesn't have to be painted. Typically, maintaining vinyl fascia consists of cleaning it occasionally.

Fiber Cement Fascia

Another rot- and pest-resistant fascia material option is fiber cement. This modern material consists of wood pulp permeated with cement or other composite materials. This clever design gives fiber cement fascia a convincing wood look without the downsides. Fiber cement is heavy and can be tricky to install, unlike other fascia materials, including vinyl, PVC, and aluminum,

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