Soffit, fascia, and gutters are essential components of a building’s exterior, playing a crucial role in protecting its structure and integrity. These three elements work together to provide a range of benefits that contribute to the longevity, aesthetics, and functionality of your home. We break down how these three elements work together and explore the benefits of each:

Soffit

Soffits are the finishing material that covers the underside of a roof overhang. One of their main functions is to provide ventilation so that air can circulate through the attic. They work in conjunction with roof vents to draw air and moisture up and out of the attic. Built up heat and moisture in an attic can cause rot to both the attic structure and the roofing material on top. A super-heated attic also leads to higher temperatures in the living areas below and adds to higher cooling energy costs. In winter, an attic with poor ventilation can cause ice dams to form which can lead to water leaks and mould.

Fascia

Fascia is another important part of the roofing system. It is the exterior horizontal boards that cover or “face” roof rafters and trusses at the roof line. Fascia is the transitional trim that connects the roof and the soffit. Boards can be made of wood but newer fascia is made from low maintenance vinyl or aluminum. There are options when choosing a fascia colour. One option is to have the soffit and fascia the same colour, another is to match the fascia to the colour of the wall material and a third option is to have the soffit and fascia match the colour of the roofing material.

Gutters

Gutters, or eavestroughs, catch rain and melted snow from the roof and direct it to downspouts and away from the house foundation. A good gutter system will prevent water from entering your home. The most common gutters are made from aluminum and are k-style – flat on the back and bottom and have a shaped profile on the front. Systems also include pre-made corners, endcaps and downspouts. Gutters are installed at an angle so they can drain to the downspouts. Checking for clogs on a regular basis will ensure that gutters are clear and are able to function effectively.