As a barrier for your roof, fascia gutters bear the brunt of the weather and keep your property safe from damage. Whether you want to improve curb appeal before selling your property or change your roof structure to something stronger, fascia gutters are an essential addition to your roofline.
According to a report by CSIRO, 65.52% of metal is the primary roofing option, particularly for new property dwellings in Australia. The primary roofing option also includes fascia and guttering systems.
This article will explore fascia gutters–in particular, Colorbond–to provide a comprehensive look into their materials and discuss the benefits of installing them. After all, a stable roofing structure is impossible without a quality guttering system.
Colorbond Fascia Gutters
Colorbond fascias are always an excellent choice for your home. This way, you can complement your roof colour, building materials, and be confident about long-lasting performance.
A Fascia gutter system is similar to a feature gutter, but it includes a return fold on the back edge of the gutter. This provides a fixing point to your steel roof sheets, using an internal concealed fixing system and is compatible with steel roofing.
Available in 22 colours–including six in a premium matt finish—Colorbond steel fascias are made with a five-layer system, Activate Technology, and offer reassurance that they will last in harsh Australian conditions. Here, you can select anything from Evening Haze to Dune, Shale Grey, Jaspar, Night Sky, Cottage Green, Manor Red, Ironstone, and more.
But that’s not all. Here are some of the other great features that come with Colorbond:
- The gutter height is 118mm, with a width of 15mm.
- It is sold per L/M and custom cut to your requirements.
- The gutter is available in Colorbond and Zincalume steel.
- It can be installed on both timber and metal fascia.
- A range of accessories are available, including 28 colours.
Why Choose Colorbond Fascia For Your Property?
It is durable: With five layers of protection, Colorbond is coated in corrosion-resistant Activate technology, enhanced with a pre-treatment, primer, and baked top coat.
It provides thermal comfort: Classic and Matt Colorbond finishes offer Thermatech solar reflectance technology, which reflects the sun’s heat, keeping you comfortable throughout the summer months.
It is sustainable: Every Colorbond steel product uses recycled materials and is 100% recyclable.
It is lightweight: In comparison to clay or concrete tiles, Colorbond steel has less weight sitting atop its framework, which puts less strain on a building. This reduces the chance of structural damage.
It is warranty-backed by BlueScope Steel: Obtain support from BlueScope, Australia’s largest manufacturer. Colorbond Durability is backed by strong building product warranties.
What is a Colorbond Fascia Board?
Commonly referred to as a “trim” or “fascia board”, the fascia is a horizontal band that runs beneath the roofline, protecting the house from elements such as wind, water, and pests. Holding the lower edges of the roof tiles in place also keeps moisture from seeping into wooden rafters.
Colorbond steel fascia visually serves as a finishing touch, covering the exposed ends of the rafters. This results in a smooth transition and a polished appearance. With this in mind, what are the primary functions of the fascia?
- Protect the structure of your roof. As a barrier against moisture and protecting the edges of roof sheathing, the fascia prevents water from seeping into the underlying roof’s structure. This helps to reduce the risk of rot and decay, so your roof will last longer!
- Gutter installation support. If you plan to install a brand-new guttering system, the fascia plays a role. Fascia provides proper drainage for rainwater away from your roof and home foundation. An intact fascia makes sure that the guttering system is stable and efficient.
- Encloses the eaves. If your home has open eaves, a fascia board will finish the look of these eaves, allowing for ventilation and airflow on the underside of the roof. This framework provides a clean finish instead of an open overhang.
- Attaches soffits. Like gutters, a fascia needs a solid mounting surface, and soffits are horizontal panels installed under the roof overhang. This gives a sturdy, linear surface for attaching soffit panels.
- Stabilises rafter ends. Strengthening these ends, they intersect the fascia board, tying them together structurally. This prevents rafters from spreading or twisting!
- Improves curb appeal. Fascia is practical and creates a clean, cohesive look that adds to resale value!
Trim vs. Fascia
The fascia and trim have separate functions, so it’s important to know this difference.
Trim is used to protect and decorate windows, doors, and corners. It is often made from wood, vinyl, aluminium, or composite materials.
Fascia, on the other hand, is placed beneath the roofline, acting like a shield that keeps the roofing safe from pests or rain. It is often made from wood or plastic and supports the roof.
Types of Fascia
Unsure of what fascia type will work best with your home? Let’s explore some of the options.
Wood fascia
Wooden fascia can be painted to match your home design. If your guttering system is working the way it should, wooden fascia should last for years.
It is recommended to be primed and painted every five years as it is directly under the guttering and has a higher chance of getting wet. Although many Australian homes have used wooden fascia in the past, it is a wiser choice to go for a metal option, such as Colorbond steel.
Aluminium fascia
Strong and requiring minimal upkeep, aluminium fascia is a popular choice for homeowners. Resistant to rust, rot, corrosion, and extreme temperatures, this fascia option is sleek and ideal if you’re aiming for a more modern home. It handles rain much better and can last for over 30 years if taken care of correctly.
On the flip side, it is slightly more expensive than wood or vinyl and is prone to scratching or denting.
Fiber cement fascia
Fibre cement fascia is strong against environmental damage, suits many architectural styles, and doesn’t need to be maintained often.
However, due to its weight, it requires professional installation instead of a DIY job and isn’t as powerful or long-lasting as Colorbond steel.
Colorbond fascia
As an excellent cover-up to old timber fascia, Colorbond steel roof sheets by BlueScope Steel are durable, long-lasting, weather-resistant, UV-resistant, and ideal for both residential and commercial properties.
Do you want extra protection for your home? The Roofing Options team understand roof structural issues and offers roofing supplies to Frankston, Dandenong, Berwick, Narre Warren, and surrounding homes across Melbourne.
Maintaining your Home's Fascia
How can you keep your fascia and roof in excellent condition? Here are some pointers.
Cleaning
Guttering should be cleaned at least twice a year, ideally during the autumn and spring. Debris, leaves, twigs, and anything else that can cause blockages or knock back water flow should be removed. Use a scoop or hose to clear the guttering system.
Fascia should be wiped regularly to prevent the build-up of mould and dirt. A mild soap and water solution is a simple way to do this, although hiring a professional to clean your roofline is generally recommended.
Downspouts must be cleared out, and any obstructions or debris must be moved. This ensures that your water flow is working as intended. You want your water to flow into a drain or drain naturally into your soil.
Pest control
Maintaining your fascia and looking for clear signs of pests. If you notice nests, droppings, or chew marks, pests such as birds, mice, or insects have likely entered your roof through holes or cracks in the entry components.
In this case, it is recommended that professional assistance be called to remove and relocate these pests safely.
Warranty and long-term investment
Do you want to protect your home for years to come? When selecting materials for your soffits and fascia, always choose options with a warranty.
This will give you peace of mind and assurance of the product’s durability and reliability.
Inspections
Have your roofline inspected for rot, corrosion, water damage, overflowing, and cracks. Report all issues quickly and address them immediately to prevent further damage!
If you would like to learn more about cleaning and maintenance, have a read of how to maintain polycarbonate roof panels, a comprehensive guide!
Cost Consideration for Fascia – What You Need To Know
High-quality roofing components will benefit you in the long term, so let’s outline the total costs of your roof revamp.
- Material choice. In the longer scheme of things, materials will affect maintenance, cost of repair, and replacement if it were necessary. Although uPVC is an inexpensive option, it will need regular maintenance for them to work properly.
- Installation costs. Installation, such as hiring professionals to do the job, will vary depending on the complexity of the installation, location, and materials required to complete the project. Installing fascia to a high standard will save you money down the line!
- Design and sizing. Bigger homes with complicated roof lines involve more materials and labour, which can impact the cost of your project.
- Gutter types. Planning for a half-round gutter? Standard guttering is less expensive, whereas seamless guttering is fabricated for specific projects, which can add to your expenses.
- Accessibility. If your roofline is difficult to access, special equipment may be needed, increasing the cost of installation or repairs.
- Maintenance. Consider budgeting for occasional cleaning and regular roof inspections, including minor repair tasks. This can prevent a costly roofing replacement!
Always speak to a professional contractor for advice specific to your plans. A roofing supplies supplier at Roofing Options can often give you guidance on the way to go.
Roofing Options – Colorbond Steel Roofing in Melbourne
Whether your goal is an aesthetic appeal to sell up your property, an improved roofing material against structural damage or attic ventilation, the Roofing Options team will always guide you towards a finished appearance that you will love.
We supply BlueScope’s Colorbond gutters and metal fascia across Melbourne, and only the best quality roofing products money can buy.
Contact us today or visit our Cranbourne, Coburg, and Campbellfield stores for a customised quote on your exterior walls. After all, we don’t want you to be up for costly repairs.
