Paint Fascia Boards?

[MikeD]

Hey gang, are primer/paint needed for wood fascia boards and underside of roof/soffits when they would be covered up with aluminum fascia and soffits? I've seen other new home constr that had unpainted wood covered up with alum/vinyl fascia and soffits.
Also, what type of wood do you fellas recommend for fascia boards if they are not to be covered with alum fascia and soffits?
Thanks.

[grumpydasmurf]

We've done alot of new construction and replacement on bare pine. Then again we have replaced alot of rotted wood that was covered with aluminum too.

I'd like to say it shouldn't matter but if it were my house I'd have primed boards installed before the aluminum went up. The cost difference isn't that great to buy pre-primed vs bare.

If the wood is not to be covered it should be painted or should be cedar.