The house’s exterior is always the first thing that people notice. It is also the main thing that people assess when they are interested in purchasing your home. For these reasons, homeowners are more particular about how their home exterior looks. After all, it can affect their house’s total home value.
That includes the roof, sidings, driveway, garage, gutters, patio, porch, windows, and doors. Some of the often overlooked but also essential exterior parts are the soffit and fascia, which also play vital roles in a home’s functionality and appearance.
If you are not familiar with these mentioned house parts, this article will introduce them to you and let you know why they deserve some attention.
‘Soffit’ is a Latin word that means “something fixed underneath.” In an architect’s language, the soffit refers to the underside, usually found between the roof and the siding, underneath the overhang. Imagine the roof in a shape of a triangle. The soffit refers to the base of that triangle. Most houses have it, but there are many homes without one.
Like many parts of the house’s exterior, the soffit serves many purposes:
– A vented or perforated soffit could improve home circulation: If you have an attic, you can use this feature to your advantage. Your soffits could improve the temperature inside your house, preventing your shingles from getting too damaged during the hot season. They also provide proper circulation into the home, avoiding condensation during winter.
– They come in various colours, materials, and styles to improve your home aesthetics: You may think that soffits are not that noticeable, but they are. You can opt for a soffit made from wood, fibre cement, or other finishing materials. Usually, the trick is to choose a material that matches the whole house to give it a smooth and harmonious look, but homeowners are free to be as creative as they please.
– They act as a layer of protection for the house: Soffits hide the rafters of your roof, giving your exterior a more polished look. They also keep any moisture or insects coming into the house, preventing issues that could cause roof failure.
The fascia is often called the roofline or the transition trim between your house and its roofline. It is the board that is mounted where the roof meets the outer walls of your home. It is also the vertical side where the soffit is usually connected.
The fascia is an integral part of the house for the following reasons:
– It provides a solid foundation for the roof’s lower edge tiles and slates
– It acts as the primary support for the house’s guttering
– It works together with the soffit to provide ventilation to the house
– It keeps the moisture from entering the roof and the insides of the home
– It affects the overall look of your house
If you aim for a well-functioning and visually-appealing house, you must also pay attention to your soffit and fascia. While they are relatively small portions of the house, they play significant roles in ensuring its form and function. Make sure to do regular inspections of these parts and keep them protected all the time. If it is your first time building a home, choose the materials that meet your visual preferences and are appropriate to the climate of your residence.
Need soffit material options for your home? Let us provide you quality choices. MCM Home Exteriors is a team of skilled installers ensuring that your home renovation adheres to the building codes and regulations and completes your satisfaction. We ensure everything from our installers to materials has a good reputation and quality. Contact us today for a free quotation on your project.