Frieze board is a commonly overlooked type of trim that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It adds some style to your home exterior, protects your siding and soffit, prevents moisture buildup, and keeps pests out. Read on to learn what a frieze board is, why it’s beneficial, and how to incorporate it into your home.
What Is A Frieze Board?
Frieze board is a type of trim that comes in strips and is made of various materials, such as wood, fiber cement, and aluminum. It serves as a finishing touch for the exterior of your home. Its versatility allows for numerous applications, such as decorative trim, accent pieces, or window or door trim.
Homeowners typically install frieze board where the soffit meets the siding, acting as a bridge between these two components.
Frieze Board Vs. Fascia
While often confused, frieze board and fascia serve different purposes. Frieze board lays horizontally where the wall meets the roof overhang, while fascia runs along the lower edge of the roof, supporting your gutters. Both types of trim are important, but they’re separate elements of your home’s exterior.
Why Is Frieze Board Important?
Most homeowners view frieze board as an aesthetic feature of a home’s exterior, but it’s more than a decorative trim. Frieze board provides several functional advantages, such as the following:
- Sealing gaps between soffit and siding
- Preventing moisture intrusion
- Detering pests from entering the roof structure
- Adding structural support to the roof overhang
Choosing the Right Frieze Board Materials
Frieze board comes in several materials, each with its own pros and cons. Consider the following materials when shopping for frieze board.
Wood
Traditional wood frieze boards offer a classic look that’s easy to customize:
- Types: Cedar, pine, and treated lumber
- Pros: Natural appearance, easy to paint or stain
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance, susceptible to rot and insect damage
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement frieze boards provide durability and low maintenance:
- Pros: Resistant to moisture, fire, and pests
- Cons: Heavier than wood, may require professional installation
Aluminum
Aluminum frieze boards offer a modern, low-maintenance option:
- Pros: Lightweight, rust-resistant, available in various colors
- Cons: May dent or scratch and not available in many design options
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood combines the look of natural wood with improved durability:
- Pros: More stable than natural wood, resistant to warping
- Cons: May be more expensive than traditional wood options
How To Install Frieze Board
Once you’ve chosen the type of material you want, it’s time to install the frieze board. Installing frieze board incorrectly lowers its lifespan, so evaluate your DIY skills before taking on this task.
While we recommend professional installation for most homeowners, experienced DIY homeowners can use the following steps to install frieze board:
- Measure and cut the frieze board to fit the installation area.
- Install trim board hooks along the installation line, ensuring they’re level.
- Clip the frieze board into the trim board hooks.
- Secure the frieze board with nails or screws according to the manufacturer’s suggestions.
- For boards wider than 4 inches, use a backer board for additional support.
- Caulk any seams or gaps to prevent moisture intrusion.
For more on frieze board installation, watch the video below.
Frieze Board Repair and Replacement
Even with professional installation and maintenance, frieze board may need repairs over time. Repair or replace your frieze board if you see:
- Visible cracks or splits
- Warping
- Separation from the house
- Discoloration
- Peeling paint
- Soft spots
Once you spot damage, start by filling small cracks with wood filler or caulk. You can also sand and repaint areas with peeling paint. If a board is damaged beyond repair, replace small sections with a new board. If you suspect large areas of rot or damage, it’s probably time to replace the entire frieze board.
Frieze Board Costs
Installing a frieze board can be pricey, but it depends on what material you use and whether you do a DIY installation. According to Angi’s cost data, frieze board costs range from $9 to $55 per linear foot, with an average of $28 per foot. However, this is for the materials alone. Professional installation will cost more.
Final Thoughts About Frieze Board
Frieze board may seem like a small detail in your home’s construction, but it impacts your home’s functionality and style. Without frieze board, your home will have less support between your siding and soffit and be more prone to moisture and pest damage. With so many options available, you can customize your frieze board to suit your style and improve your home’s exterior.
