What are Fascia and Soffits?
Fascias and soffits are boards that run along the edge of the roof of a building, which are used to mount guttering. The fascia board runs along the bottom edge of the roof, while the soffit board sits under the fascia. The fascia supports the bottom row of roof tiles along the lower edge and covers fittings to make sure they’re waterproof and protected from the elements. Soffits cover the underside of the fascia and help to protect the wall and roofline. Either the fascia or soffit can be ventilated to provide ventilation for the roof. Both fascias and soffits play important roles in protecting a roof and making sure nothing can get inside it, and they also help to support guttering at the same time.
What material is used for fascia and soffits?
Fascias and soffits can be made from a couple of materials. Sometimes they are made from wood, but today’s fascias and soffits are often made from plastic. They use PVC, which might also be uPVC PVCu or PVCue. The “U” stands for unplasticised, which means that it’s a rigid and durable PVC instead of a bendy or pliable one. Wooden fascias and soffits can rot, which is why many people prefer to use plastic. There are several advantages to choosing PVC fascias and soffits, including the material’s strength and durability. It is also easy to clean, comes in a variety of colours, and it’s affordable too.
How much does it cost to replace soffits and fascias?
Sometimes, you might need to replace soffits and fascias on a property. You might have rotting wooden boards, or perhaps you just want to create a new and more durable look. Before you do this, being aware of how much it might cost can be very useful. When you look for prices for fascia and soffit replacement, you will usually see prices per metre. Having someone come and give you a quote will get you a more accurate answer. The typical cost per metre is between £50 and £80. So if the roofline measures 25 metres, you could pay between £1,250 and £2,000. The exact cost will depend on a few things, such as the size of your house and type of property. The larger your home is, the lower the cost could be per metre.
However, it’s important to remember that there are other costs to take into account. For example, scaffolding will need to be erected to allow roofers access to a two or three-storey property. If it’s difficult to gain access to the roof, this complicates things too. New cement work or substantial timber work can also affect the price. Your region will also affect how much you pay. It’s likely to cost more within the London area and the south of England than other areas.
How much does it cost to replace gutters?
As well as replacing fascias and soffits, you might want to consider replacing your property’s gutters. Functioning gutters are essential to protect the roof and ensure good drainage when it rains. Replacing guttering is likely to be a lot cheaper compared to the cost of replacing fascias and soffits. The average cost, according to Quotation Check, is £630 to replace guttering. Per metre, you could pay between £30 and £60, depending on the gutter material. Cast iron guttering will obviously cost more than plastic guttering. Other jobs, such as replacing the downspout or support brackets could cost a little more.
Soffit and Fascia Installation
It’s a good idea to understand the process to install soffits and fascias if you need to replace them on your property. To replace soffits and fascias, first the gutters need to be removed, and the first row of roof tiles needs to be moved back. The existing fascias and soffits need to be removed, and the condition of the rafters should be inspected before the new ones are installed.
The soffit boards are securely fitted to the brickwork, providing a strong join between them. The fascia board follows and is attached to the soffit and fixed to each rafter. Once everything is secured, the finish needs to be considered. A zinc or metal finish will provide durable protection, whereas paint will need to be refreshed every few years. When everything is installed, cleaning everything up will ensure it looks good.
Fascias and soffits are important parts of any roof system. Make sure that yours are in good condition and replace them when necessary, along with guttering that might require replacement.