I am considering covering my existing fascia and trim boards with plastic or metal, but I don't know which is best in the long run. I know metal dents, but the fascia is so high this is not a concern (2-story house). The color will be white. I live in western Colorado (Grand Junction), usually dry but it does get down to -5 or -10 F each year. I figure this will eliminate the need for repainting every 5 years due to weathering. Is there really any need to cover the eaves? Shouldn't just the trim and the fascia be enough? Anything I should consider? If the stuff lasts 20 years, it will probably outlast me by 10 years...

My daughter purchased a home 3 years ago. Since that time, we have noticed a mildew smell when the heat has first kicked on. We have seen some mildew/mold on walls near the ceiling line. Obviously there is a problem. The house was inspected and passed the inspection... though how, we don't know. The first thing that I want to do is replace her vinyl soffits with vented vinyl soffits. She has no ventilation in the attic except for one vent in the roof. I'm not a carpenter or a handyman or anything like it..I'm her almost 50 year old mother! In looking at the house and soffit, it doesn't look too difficult to remove what is up already / vinyl without vents with vented pieces. After this is done, we can work on removing what is already up there or in the walls. Any helpful hints?