When it’s time to have your gutters repaired or replaced, your contractor may talk to you about the condition of the fascia on your home. If you’re not familiar with what fascia is, you’re not alone. Many homeowners don’t understand the role fascia has in protecting a home. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Fascia?

Fascia is located just below the edge of the roof. It’s a long board that looks similar to other trim on the house, but it typically runs behind the gutters and covers roof trusses or rafters. It comes in many materials, including steel, plastic, vinyl, and aluminum, but most homes use wooden fascia. Steel fascia is highly recommended and generally considered the best and most durable.  Fascia is only visible from the outside, and while it completes a house by adding a finishing touch, it has many other jobs.

Like many other parts of a home’s exterior, the fascia helps protect against outside elements. By covering the space between the roof and the exterior wall, the fascia prevents water, insects, and other pests from getting into the roofing cavity and causing damage. It is also used as a solid foundation for anchoring a gutter system to the house. 

How to Prevent Damage

One of the best ways to protect fascia is to keep your gutters in good condition. Since fascia is connected to the gutter system, it’s the first to get damaged when there’s a problem. A damaged, clogged, or ineffective gutter can cause water to pool, which results in cracks and leaks and causes fascia to rot. Clogged gutters can also become too heavy and pull away from fascia, so be sure to clean your gutters regularly and hire a professional for inspections. If you do notice a leak or other damage, have a qualified contractor repair your gutter system quickly before the problem becomes worse. 

Whether you’re having a problem with your roof, gutters, or siding, you need it fixed fast. Call the professionals at ABC Seamless of Nebraska. Established in 1973, this roofing and siding business helps homeowners in Wood River, Omaha, and Lincoln, NE. With the highest-quality products and expert installation, there’s no job they can’t handle. Call them today at (402) 477-5400 or visit their website for more information.