How to Choose a Soffit and Fascia
- 1). Peer up into the underside of your roof eaves to determine whether you have cutouts for individual soffits or a long, rectangular opening the entire length. If you have individual openings, note whether they are circular or rectangular, and purchase that shape of soffit. If there is a long, continuous channel, use long strips of soffit that attach end-to-end.
- 2). Place a stepladder or chair under the edge of the roof, and measure the width and length of the opening for the soffit. Note the size, so that you can purchase the same-sized soffits, which don’t require additional cutting to install. If you have a long, continuous channel, measure its width and then the length of that side of the roof.
- 3). Identify the types of material used for the home’s exterior to determine the material for the soffit. If the material is wood, you can choose wooden soffits to match them. If your home consist of vinyl, use vinyl soffits, which don’t require frequent painting. In addition, vinyl soffits are more suitable for damp locations, or if you have problems with animals, such as birds and squirrels.
- 4). Measure the fascia area to determine which length of precut fascia board you require. Place a stepladder at the front edge of the roof, and locate the flat vertical board that faces out away from the roof. Measure from the top to bottom to determine the width, and measure the entire length of the roof line to determine the fascia length.
- 5). Choose a fascia material, either wood, vinyl or aluminum, that matches your gutters and soffits for a consistent look around the home.
- 6). Choose a decorative fascia with a bottom edge design for added interest for the home. Patterned fascia board creates the gingerbread look that some home owners desire.
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