Eavestrough, soffit, and fascia are necessary for home roofs. People often use these three terms but most of them are not aware of how each of them is different. If you are also unable to differentiate between eavestrough, soffit, and fascia, then you have landed at the right article. In this article, we’ll take a look at what makes up your roof’s eavestrough, soffit, and fascia. Not sure if it’s time to consider a replacement for your roof? Reach out today to get a no-obligation roofing services quote and book a roofing inspection with A.C.T. Construction & Renovations!
What is an Eavestrough?
The semi-circle or square-shaped installation lining on the edge of roofs are known as eavestrough. Eavestrough plays a vital part in protecting your house against the harmful effects of standing water around your home’s foundation. When rainwater or melted snow runs down the roof, it is collected by the eavestrough. The collected water is then drained away from the house’s structure through downspouts. Installing eavestrough is vital to prevent water from pooling around your home’s foundation and cause water damages to the house.
What is a Soffit?
Soffits run along the bottom of the roof. The horizontal piece of aluminum or vinyl that covers the underside of your roof’s overhang is a soffit. A soffit provides is necessary for a proper ventilation system that keeps the home temperature regulated. This installation also acts as a barrier and, therefore, protects the house from the external factors by filling the space between the roof and eavestrough.
What is Fascia?
Fascia is the board that runs along the ends of roofing. The horizontal pieces that cover the space between the soffit and the roof are the fascia boards. Aluminum fascia is installed over the wooden roof rafters in order to protect your house from rain and melted snow. Fascia is used to create a barrier between the edge of the roof and the external factors such as rainwater. It creates a smooth appearance to the edge and protects the roof from weather damage. It also provides the roof with strength as it serves the purpose of supporting the eavestrough to drain the water away from the house properly.
Soffit and fascia work together to provide the protection to your roof’s interior parts.
Installing all three – eavestrough, soffit, as well as fascia is necessary to safeguard your home against external factors such as weather conditions. If your home doesn’t have any one of these three installations, call your roofing expert and secure your home.
How Long Do Eavestrough, Soffits, and Fascia Typically Last in Alberta?
The life expectancy of your roofline components directly translates to the longevity of your home’s protection. As experts in exterior renovations, we tell our clients that the final lifespan comes down to two major factors: the quality of the materials used and the diligence of your maintenance schedule. If your roof is properly maintained, it depends on the type of material used.
Eavestrough
- Aluminum: This is the industry standard for durability and value, offering a solid life of 20 to 30 years. Using a heavier-gauge aluminum will always provide a longer, more reliable service life.
- Vinyl: A more affordable choice, vinyl typically lasts 15 to 20 years. It requires consistent care, as it is more susceptible to cracking and fading from our severe seasonal temperature shifts.
Soffit and Fascia
- When the vulnerable underlying wood is properly clad—or covered—with a protective aluminum or vinyl wrap, the fascia board itself can last the entire lifetime of your home. The soffit and fascia should be viewed as one integrated system, working together to keep moisture out and allow proper ventilation into your attic.
The greatest threat to this lifespan is neglect. Clogged gutters force water to sit against the fascia board, leading to accelerated rot in as little as 5 to 7 years. Central Alberta’s intense freeze-thaw cycles can also amplify any small issue, turning minor leaks into structural damage quickly. If you can’t remember the last time you had your roof inspected, it’s time to book a roof inspection and roof repairs.
Book Roof Repairs and Installations with A.C.T. Construction & Renovations
You now know how vital your eavestrough, soffit, and fascia are to your home’s foundation and structure. Don’t wait for a small issue or rot to turn into a costly, large-scale repair. As the trusted, certified exterior renovation and central Alberta roofing services crew serving the Wetaskiwin, Camrose, Red Deer area and beyond, A.C.T. Construction & Renovations provides professional, lasting solutions to safeguard your property.
Request a free quote for roofing services today!