Rake Board vs Fascia: Which One Is Best for Your Home Exterior

A rake board is a horizontal board installed along the edge of a roof's overhang, typically made of wood or vinyl, and its primary function is to direct water away from the home's exterior.

The width of a rake board can vary, but it's usually around 6-12 inches wide, depending on the design and style of the home.

A fascia board, on the other hand, is a vertical board that runs along the edge of a roof, usually made of wood, vinyl, or composite materials, and it provides additional support to the roof's edge.

Fascia boards are typically narrower than rake boards, usually around 2-4 inches wide, and they often have a more decorative design.

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A rake board is essentially a flat, narrow board installed along the edge of a deck or porch, typically between the deck and the house. Its primary purpose is to protect the deck from water damage.

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The rake board is usually installed at a slight angle, allowing water to run off and away from the deck. This helps prevent water from accumulating and seeping into the deck's gaps.

In many cases, the rake board is made of the same material as the deck, such as pressure-treated wood or composite materials. This ensures a seamless look and helps to create a watertight seal.

The rake board's angle is critical, as it needs to be steep enough to allow water to drain properly.

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There are several types of rake boards, each with its own unique characteristics.

A flush rake board is a type of rake board that is flush with the fascia board, typically used in modern construction.

A decorative rake board is often used to add a decorative touch to a home's exterior, with various designs and patterns available.

A soffit rake board is used to conceal the underside of a roof overhang, providing a clean and finished look.

A drip rake board is designed to direct water away from a home's foundation, helping to prevent water damage and erosion.

Fiber cement is a durable option for rake boards, but it's not without its challenges. It's created from recycled materials like wood chips and sawdust mixed with epoxy resin.

This material is heavier than others, which can make installation tricky. You'll need to consider the added cost of labor and materials when choosing fiber cement.

The weight of fiber cement also means it's more expensive than other options.

Aluminum is a top choice for rake boards due to its durability, resisting scratches, dirt, pests, and water damage with ease.

It's also relatively easy to maintain, which is a huge plus for homeowners who want a hassle-free experience.

Aluminum rake boards are available in a variety of colors, allowing you to match your project's aesthetic design.

This versatility makes aluminum a popular choice for many projects.

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Rake boards are used in both flat and low slope roof systems, as well as high slope roof systems. The board is installed around the perimeter of the roof system, just below the roof membrane itself, to terminate and transition from wall to roof.

In horizontal areas of the roof, this board is generally referred to as a fascia board. A rake board, on the other hand, is installed along the sides of a building, typically above gable or gambrel walls. The location of the rake boards depends on the facing of the building's gable or end wall.

The rake board is a crucial component in low-slope and flat roofing systems, and its installation can vary depending on the specific roof-wall system combination.

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Alsco Metals offers 18 different color options for their aluminum fascia, including a smooth finished look and a woodgrain appearance. This gives you a lot of flexibility to choose the look that suits your project.

You can also get the Perfect Trim Plus color package from Alsco Metals, which includes soffit, drip edge, roof moldings, trim coil, and rain carrying systems. This makes it easy to create a custom trim package for your project.

Belco Forest Products offers a treated and primed, SPF natural trim board for roof rake trim, which is a cost-effective and aesthetically beautiful solution.

Wooden options can be a beautiful choice for your home's exterior, but it's essential to consider the potential downsides. Wood can be costly, depending on the species, and requires regular maintenance to prevent water and insect damage.

If you do decide to go with wooden trim, choose a 2×8 size for the best application. This size will resist cupping and twisting, ensuring stability in challenging conditions. Thicker material (2 inches) is also recommended due to the limited nailing surface available when connecting to 2×4 outlookers.

Cutting the angle on the peak side of the rake board before installation can make a big difference. This allows for adjustments to be made later from a ladder to match the fascia angle perfectly, accommodating any imperfections in the cut of the truss tails.

To ensure a seamless fit with the trim, consider the following tips:

PVC fascia is a cost-effective option, but it won't last as long as other materials. It can expand with heat and turn yellow, and it's also susceptible to damage from hail.

Vinyl fascia is another plastic option that's relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, but it's not the most durable choice. It fades over time, so you'll need to replace it sooner rather than later.

Aluminum fascia is a high-quality option that comes in 18 different color options, including a smooth finish and a woodgrain appearance. It's part of the Perfect Trim Plus color package, which includes soffit, drip edge, and other trim components.

Aluminum fascia is durable and resistant to scratches and dirt, making it a great choice for harsh outdoor environments. It's also finished with a durable coating that sheds dirt and resists scratches.

PVC and vinyl fascia are prone to damage from hail, so if you live in an area with frequent hail storms, you may want to consider a different option. Aluminum fascia is a better choice in these situations.

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Belco XT is a standout choice for roof rake trim. It's a treated and primed, SPF natural trim board from Belco Forest Products.

This trim board comes in convenient 20-foot lengths, making it easy to handle and install. Its sturdiness ensures it can withstand shipping and installation without compromising quality.

Belco's method of applying their innovative wood preservative significantly impacts durability and longevity. This means the trim will last longer and require less maintenance.

The final finish flexibility of Belco XT makes it ideal for achieving a look that matches your siding seamlessly. This is a big plus for homeowners who want a cohesive look.

Belco's products arrive primed with an industry-leading primer, ready for the final topcoat once installed. This saves time and effort for contractors and homeowners.

A 20-year non-prorated warranty provides peace of mind for contractors and ultimately homeowners. This warranty is a testament to Belco's confidence in their product.