Repainting
Painting is a great way to make sure your fascia and soffit don’t get damaged by water. When painting, you can use semi-gloss paint to help repel water from the board. However, keep in mind that this is not a guaranteed method for keeping your fascia and soffit protected from rain or moisture.
If painting is too expensive for you and/or you are worried about ruining your paint job on the boards, another option would be to add some wood sealant or waterproofing spray on top of the existing paint. This will help prevent any mold or mildew growth in these areas as well as protect them from harmful UV rays that can affect their appearance over time!
Cleaning
Cleaning your fascia and soffit regularly is the first step in preserving its appearance, but it’s important to use the right materials.
For example, a soft-bristled broom should be used to sweep down any dust on the surface of either feature of your home while you’re cleaning it. Similarly, a damp cloth should be used to clean off any dust that has collected on either surface of your house. If you have pets in your home or if you’ve recently had a party or event where many people were present in your home, make sure you also use an air purifier or humidifier so that mold growth can be prevented from occurring because of excess moisture from these sources.
Wipe down all areas where water/moisture may have accumulated during rainstorms (or snowstorms) by using a damp cloth followed by drying with another dry cloth afterward
Waterproofing
Sealants! A sealant can be used to waterproof your fascia, but it must be applied to all joints in order for it to work properly.
- Drip Edge
A good roofer will be able to properly install right at the roof edge, what we call a drip edge. This is an important component that will prevent water from leaking inside the roof line, and it will make sure it will run properly downwards, towards the gutter.
- Gutter Apron Or Flashing
The drip edge will cover the roof edge, but sometimes the fascia board is a bit larger than 7″, which will create a gap in between the drip edge and the gutter. That gap is dangerous, especially for wood shadow boards. That little gap can cause the fascia board to rot, therefore a gutter apron or gutter flashing should be installed.
Waterproofing paint. There are various types of waterproofing paints that you can use on your fascia, soffit, and roof. While these paints are effective at keeping moisture out from between the various components of your home’s exterior, they may come with some downsides: some types may cause peeling or crack if not applied correctly; others may require a primer coat; still, others may be too thick when applied by brush or roller, making them more difficult to spread evenly across large surfaces like roofs or ceilings (this makes them better suited for smaller jobs like sealing drywall joints).
Replacing and repairing sections
- Remove the old section.
- Measure the length and width of the new section, then cut it to size with a hacksaw or power saw if necessary.
- Be sure that you are using an exact match of color, texture, and material as well as size when replacing sections so as not to stand out or look different than your other fascia and soffit areas — especially if you are trying to sell your home in the future!
Ventilation
Ventilation is a crucial component of the home. It allows water to evaporate, preventing rot and decay. It allows heat to escape, preventing mold and mildew.
Without ventilation, moisture can become trapped in the fascia and soffit areas; this can lead to warping, cracking, and splitting.
Maintenance for the fascia and soffit can be done easily with these tips.
So, how often should you clean the fascia board? As a general rule of thumb, if you live in an area where rain is common and your home gets soaked at least once or twice a year, then it’s best to clean the soffit and fascia every spring. This will ensure that there is no build-up of mold or algae on either surface. If you live in a dryer climate with less rainfall, then it’s probably best to clean the soffit and fascia every other year.
If you have just purchased your home and are looking into having these areas cleaned for the first time, plan on spending between $500-$1000 depending on how many feet of siding needs work done (fascia boards typically extend along the entire length of most residential homes). This cost may seem steep but keep in mind that all repairs are usually needed due to previous neglect rather than because something has happened recently which means having them cleaned now could save thousands down the road!
Conclusion
These 5 tips should help you keep your fascia and soffit protected. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to call us at (508) 875-5007.
