I noticed in my backyard that the ridge rafter is left exposed without any fascia installed (check out the picture [here](https://imgur.com/a/KDM20Mh)). I asked my general contractor (GC) if fascia would be put in later, but he mentioned it's unnecessary since gutters will be installed to cover the exposed rafter. I'm curious, is it actually acceptable to forgo fascia and rely solely on the gutters to protect the rafters? What are the pros and cons of having fascia?
3 Answers
I think it's a bit risky to skip the fascia! While your contractor might be suggesting that's okay, fascia serves as an important protection against water damage. It keeps moisture off the ends of the rafters which can lead to rotting over time. I'd really recommend looking at getting that installed for longevity.
Skipping fascia isn't totally unheard of, but it's usually not recommended unless you're really prepared for it. If you don’t have fascia, make sure you've treated the rafter ends to withstand exposure and maybe consider roofing options that accommodate that style.
Thanks, that makes sense! I didn’t think about treatment options - I'll have to ask about that too.
It's pretty unusual to not have fascia unless you're going for a specific aesthetic. A fascia board adds a nice finish and protects the wood underneath. Even if the gutters are there, having that barrier can help prevent decay. I'd say it's definitely a good idea to have it!
Thanks for the input! I didn’t realize it helped with water damage; I’ll definitely discuss it again with my GC.