What Are Wood Fascia?

General Definition

• Wood fascia refers to a type of horizontal wooden trim that surrounds a home beneath the roof shingles. The fascia boards serve as exterior caps for the rafter beams, the ends of which would otherwise be exposed to the outside. The fascia sits directly above the soffit, or underside of the roofing material. Many types of wood fascia exist, including those constructed from cedar, timber, oak and spruce.

Benefits

• Wood fascia holds rain gutters in place, protects the rafters from becoming rotted and damaged, and protects the roof itself from the effects of harsh weather conditions. Wood fascia also has notable aesthetic benefits. By preventing the rafters from being exposed, it makes the home or building look complete, and wood fascia specifically offers the benefits of a natural wood grain appearance, which complements wood homes especially.

Considerations

• While wood fascia does offer aesthetic benefits for many homes, it is also more susceptible to the elements than other types of fascia. In extreme weather conditions, fascia can become subject to mold, mildew or dry rot. To minimize the likelihood of these problems, paint over your fascia boards with a wood hardener, which is sold in home improvement stores. A mildew-resistant paint can also prevent the growth of potentially hazardous fungi such as mold.

Other Information

• In some instances, the word "fascia" can also refer to other types of household trim, such as the thin trimming that surrounds doorways. Fascia boards should not be confused with barge boards. While barge boards look similar and might also have wooden construction, they rest along the gable of the roof, rather than along the gutters. The gable is the sloping part of a roof.