The Fascia Board Guide - Everything You Need to Know About Fascia Boards

There are lots of different boards that you can use to build a house–there are treated lumber studs, composite wood systems, a wide range of plywoods, and more. And when the topic of framing comes up at the DIY bar, there's one board that always seems to be missing from the conversation: The Fascia Board.

This Fascia Board Guide will cover everything you need to know about fascia boards. Before we begin with the actual guide, let us dive into what fascia is.

What Are The Fascia Boards?

Fascia boards are one of the many types of sheathing available for insulating walls. They are made out of oriented strand board, a compressed wood product also used in flooring and ceilings. They are the best construction boards.

The primary purpose of using a fascia board is to protect the home from moisture, which is most commonly found in attics. They can be installed in place of rigid insulation as a 1" layer or 2" layer on top of another type of insulation.

The 2" layer is also referred to as an air control layer because it allows air control through the wall. This helps to prevent moisture from getting trapped inside the wall cavity.

There are many other benefits to using fascia boards instead of traditional insulation like fiberglass batts. One benefit is the ease of installation; you don't need special tools!

The cost and labor involved with installing these types of sheathing are much less than fiberglass batts. They can be installed at any time during construction, whether before or after the drywall.

Here are a few of the most common building construction terms:

Fascia board – A board that runs horizontally across the top of a wall or roof. It can be made from wood, metal, or plastic and is often used as an aesthetic feature on houses.

Cladding – A material that covers a wall on both sides. Cladding can be made from wood, metal, or plastic, but it doesn't go all the way around the structure being covered as siding does.

How Do Fascia Boards Work?

Fascia boards are a common sight on residential homes—look up! They're the thin strips of wood you see between the roof and the siding, usually extending from one side of the house to the other, and they're a crucial component of your home's structure. But what do they do, exactly?

1.  For Starters, They Give Your House Structure

The roof's weight is supported by posts that run down to the foundation and rafters that connect those posts to the walls. The rafters rest on top of blocks or joists that are in turn supported by fascia boards. Those boards keep everything where it should be, whether it's a simple rectangle-shaped design or something more complex like an A-frame shape.

2.   They Also Act As a Barrier to Keep Moisture Out Of Your Home

The outside of your siding is vulnerable to penetration from water, insects, and rot. If you've ever seen curled wooden shingles or warped clapboards, you know why: these surfaces can become soft enough for bugs or moisture to work through the wood.

That's why fascia boards have tongues that overlap and rest on vertical trim boards (also called "soffit").

3.  They Will Keep Your House Cool

Fascia boards will also help keep your home cool in the summer by preventing heat buildup inside your walls. They also provide excellent soundproofing for your home because they don't conduct sound well.

4.  Cost Effective

The most significant benefit to using fascia boards as your primary form of insulation is that it will save you money on energy costs every month. With our current economy, every penny counts, so any way you can save money on energy bills is always a good thing!

5.  They Can Be Installed Easily

The best thing about fascia boards is that they can be easily installed on most homes and fit in with most styles. You have to measure the area where you want them and cut them down to size. Then, apply them and nail them using a hammer or nail gun.

Fascia Board Installation: What Do You Need To Know

Fascia board installation is a process that involves installing new fascia boards on roofs or other walls of your house. Professionals usually do this process, but if you want to save money, you may want to consider doing it yourself instead. It may seem like an easy task at first glance, but many things go into this type of project before it can be completed successfully.

The fascia board installation process is pretty straightforward.

1. The first step is to mark where you want the fascia board to go. Then, use a chalk line to keep the locations of each stud.
2. Once you have your measurements, you must cut the fascia boards to size. Make sure that the holes are cut on both sides of the board so that they will screw into place easily.
3. Next, drill pilot holes through each stud and into the ends of each board. You must drill these holes before installing your fascia boards because they will be challenging to put in once they're up on your house!
4. Once your pilot holes are drilled, it's time to install those boards! It's important to use screws with star heads that can hold up against moisture and windy conditions (like these). A good rule of thumb is one screw every two inches. You should also try to keep them equidistant from each other for a more professional look!
5. Finally, caulk around any gaps between boards or between boards and windows/doors for added protection against water damage (and drafts!).

Inspection Checklist For Fascia Boards

1.   Attic Insulation

It is essential to have a proper attic insulation and examination for decking. The best time to do this is during the initial construction of your home, but if you wish to add more insulation later, it is possible with some effort and cost.

If the attic floor is unfinished, add a vapor barrier of plastic sheeting under the plywood or OSB subflooring. Then apply insulation between joists or rafters and over the subflooring on top of the vapor barrier. Cover all seams with foil tape.

2.   Gutter System

Gutters are designed to collect rainwater from roofs and channel it away from a building's foundation through downspouts and downspout cleanouts into gutters or storm drains.

They also provide a place for leaves and other debris to collect, which can clog gutters and downspouts, causing water damage inside your home or garage. Moreover, if they become blocked by ice dams in winter or go unnoticed until they overflow during heavy rains in springtime.

When there is still snow cover on the roof from winter snowfall accumulation that melted off during warm spells in early spring before new snowfall began melting off again with this next warm spell causing massive flooding due to all this melting water.

3.   Flashing

Fascia boards should be installed with flashing. Flashing is a material that extends beyond the fascia board to form a water-resistant barrier between the roof and the fascia board.

Flashing is meant to direct water away from home and prevent it from damaging the fascia board or other materials. To determine if your home has flashing installed, look at the edge of your roof where it meets the fascia board. If you don't see flashing, you may need to add it yourself.

4.   Caulk

Caulk is a sealant used to protect against water damage by forming a barrier between two surfaces that are not supposed to be joined together (such as between siding boards).

Caulking around windows and doors will prevent air infiltration through gaps in these areas and keep out rainwater that could otherwise seep into your home through these openings.

To determine if your home needs caulking, look for cracks or gaps in areas where siding meets windows or doors, such as around door trim or window casing.

5.   Fascia and soffit

The fascia is the board that runs around the perimeter of your house and connects to the gutter. The soffit is on the panel above it. Both are prone to rot, peeling paint, and insect damage in warm climates.

To inspect these areas, you'll need to remove some siding and look at what's behind it. If you notice any problems with your fascia, soffit, or gutters, you might consider hiring a professional for further inspection and repair services.

6.   Siding Inspection

Siding is one of the essential parts of your home's exterior because it protects your walls from water damage. Siding should be inspected for cracks and other signs of wear and tear before winter arrives. If you notice any problems with your siding, such as loose nails or gaps between boards, then consider hiring a professional for further inspection and repair services.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this article on Fascia Boards, and we know it was choc-full of beneficial information.

The Composite Company have been around for a very long time and are now one of the most trusted names in the composite decking industry. They are known for consistency and reliability. Their service is always prompt and on time, and their staff is always friendly. If you want to share your fascia board tips, drop us a comment below!