Fascias and soffits – why are they important?
by admin on December 23, 2011
Fascias and soffits are just as important as your roof is in keeping the weather out of your property and preventing internal damage. But what are they and why do we need them?
Fascias, also known as fascia boards, have been around since the Greeks began including it in their architecture many years ago. They are the vertical boards running underneath the roof edge (known as the eaves, where the roof meets the wall) that help to keep water and wind out. It is the part of your roof that the gutters are attached to, which are pipes collecting the water that runs off the roof. Soffits are the underside of fascia boards, and the two pieces work together to protect your roof and any wooden roof structures and the brick exterior walls of your home.
In the UK, most modern homes now have fascias and soffits made of uPVC. This is for many reasons. They are more durable than the old timber versions. They are cheaper and easier to manufacture and fit. Also they are not prone to rotting and splitting like the wooden types. This is why modern roofers now use uPVC versions on UK properties.
Expert roofers can install new fascias and soffits on your property, and can also do repairs to existing fascias and soffits to make sure that your home is adequately protected and that you won’t have to fork out for expensive repairs to the structure of your home. uPVC fascias and soffits are low maintenance and are generally very cheap to install.
If you need fascia or soffit repairs, you should seek out reputable roofers who deal with all manner or roof repairs and roof installations. Your roofers will be able to discuss a range of options for your fascias and soffits and there are many styles, colours and materials to choose from so you’ll be spoilt for choice!
It’s worth noting that generally, building surveyors would note if there is paint peeling or there are water stains on the fascias or soffits on your home. This is because it is an indication that your property may need gutter repairs by expert roofers. Perhaps you can take a look at your fascias and soffits yourself to see if there is any such indication that may need the attention of professional roofers? If so, you should call them right away to get your roofing needs assessed.
Overcladding is a type of plastic coating to go over the top of timer fascias and soffits. Most roofers recommend that you remove old fascias and soffits made of wood and have them completely replaced with uPVC as this is the most effective material and is cheap and maintenance free, other than the odd crack which may require repairs every so often. It is very difficult to spot if overcladding has been used on your roofline, so it may be worth having an assessment done by your roofers to check and see whether you have it on your home.
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