Basic beginners guide to fascia and soffits

If you know anything about construction you will know there are two different components to the outside of your house; the place where your walls meet your roof, named the fascia and soffits. This is where the gutter of the house can be found, which prevents water from dripping down on to the ground underneath. There are some things you need to consider if you are building a home in regards to fasica and soffits, including ways to maintain them once your build is complete.

What is a fascia?

If you stand outside your house and look up at where the top of the outer wall touches the roof, there is a point where they come together. This can be referred to as the roof line, it forms a line where the roof and the outer wall join together. The shingles will overhang, usually dropping into the gutter, which is attached to the outer fascia. This is a very long street board, that goes across the edge of the lower roof. This is fixed to the roof trusses that make the supporting structure of the roof itself. This helps them to remain secure for so long and will also support the weight of the gutter and the water that comes into it during the rainy seasons. This board needs to be fixed at all locations into each of the trusses, to make sure it can handle rain.

What is a soffit?

This is the board that is underneath the fascia. This is what you can see when you are standing below a building. It is usually ventilated, which allows air flow into the roof; preventing mildew and mould from forming. There can be different forms of insulation, for example, ventilating the fascia board. However, this can lead to issues. If a gutter is not installed water will seep inside, causing rot and mould. This will cause a lot of decay on the internal structure of the wall. Water will flow from the soffits and fascia’s into the plywood, and further into the insulation. This is why it is always good to have underside ventilation on the soffits, especially if you haven’t had the time to put your gutters in place.

Different types of fascias

There are many different types of fascia boards available in various styles, colours and sizes. What you choose depends on your budget, what type of effect you’re looking for and the colour you want. They can be any size up to 25 millimetres, if this is the case, you might not need a soffit or backing board. Your gutter will then be attached directly to the fascia, connecting the two together. It is suggested that you use stainless steel fixings when you are doing this, so that rust does not occur. This is the usual for most projects done today. Of course, there are many other components that make up a roof, that need to be considered when you are finishing your house, including the type of gutter you choose to use. The type of flashing you use, can be either made of rubber or metal. This is what goes around the pipes and chimneys that prevents water leaks. It is fascias and soffits though that play a very important role. It is really important to always use the best materials, while also having the best ventilation possible.

Are you uncertain when to replace your fascia and soffits

Are you aware when they were last installed? The life span of Fascia and Soffits will depend on the robustness of the material used, how well it was initially fitted, and how well it has been managed; plus the position of the building and the climate conditions in your area make a huge difference. With the Lancashire wet weather it is essential to examine regularly for indications of wear and tear on your fascia and soffits as they are a vital part of your property defence. The majority of fascia and soffits installed over the last century were made of hardwood, but these require constant maintenance and painting to ensure they are water-resistant, so if you still have wooden fascia and you notice cracked and flaking paint this will show that the fascia is no longer weatherproof and probably a symptom of water inside the boards; meaning water is likely leaking into your property. Furthermore, any patches of soft wood in the timber of the fascia and soffits show that water has been allowed to penetrate over time. It is important to deal with any issue when it is initially found as water will swiftly damage walls and loft areas if it starts to seep through the residence, creating issues with damp.

Check for water damage on your walls or ceilings as things can swiftly worsen. If you are concerned with any of these problems we can provide you advice on what needs to be done and provide a free quotation for any work. We can quickly determine the problem and the cure after 30 years in the business, and we take great pride in delivering a professional specialist service.

We advise upgrading timber fascia and soffits with uPVC, as they have increased capacity for coping with tough Northwest weather conditions and will require minimum maintenance for years to come. UPVC is also strong and sturdy which is essential for the fascia material as it supports the guttering, downpipes and the lower row of roof tiles. One of many other key benefits of using uPVC for your roofline is that our fascia and soffit systems allow air through the ventilated design which will eliminates any concerns with condensation that you may have had in your attic.

Remarkably in addition to our uPVC fascia and soffits being cost efficient, because they last a long time and need little maintenance, they are also robust and good for the environment because they are made from recycled plastic, that becomes substantially more resilient with the recycling process. Our manufacturer recycled 3 million window frames in 2020 and has won national recycling awards for their eco-friendly business. They come in a range of 8 colours to choose from, including a wood grain effect if you prefer the visual appearance of hardwood, so they can enhance any exterior. Frequently people decide to replace their gutters simultaneously since we have coordinating systems and it can be cost effective if we are going to need scaffolding for the task.

FAQS FOR FASCIA AND SOFFITS

What are Fascia and Soffits?

The soffits are underneath the overhang of the roof between the walls and the edge of the roof, and the fascia are the boards that line the structural walls below the roof, protecting your home from the weather and preventing water damage to the structure of the property. The fascia and soffits also support the lower roof tiles so add extra durability to the roof. An effective soffit system seals off access to the roof from small creatures but also allows ventilation which reduces condensation issues in the property.

How do I know when to replace the Fascia and Soffits?

if you still have wooden fascia and you notice cracked and flaking paint this will show that the fascia is no longer weatherproof and probably a symptom of water inside the boards; meaning water is likely leaking into your property. Furthermore, any patches of soft wood in the timber of the fascia and soffits show that water has been allowed to penetrate over time. It is important to deal with any matter of concern when it is initially found as water will quickly damage walls and loft areas if it starts to seep through the property, creating issues with damp. Check for water damage on your interior walls or ceilings as this can also be a symptom of the fascia and soffits being no longer effective.

How long would you expect the fascia and soffits to last?

The fascia and soffits are designed to offer long lasting protection to your roofline so should remain efficient for a minimum of ten years but often much longer, the time span of the fascia and soffits is very dependent on the material used and how well they are maintained and also the weather conditions where the property is situated. The quality of the workmanship can also be a determinant so always choose a recommended roofer to install your fascia and soffits.

What material is best for fascia and soffits?

Traditionally timber has been the material of choice for the fascia and soffits but wooden boards require a lot of maintenance and regular painting and priming. These days people generally opt for upvc fascia and soffits as they are weather resistant and durable and will last for many years with little upkeep.

Which goes on first the fascia or the soffits?

The soffits are installed first and once these have been fitted, you can complete the work by installing the fascia. The fascia covers the outside edges of the soffits and protects the sub fascia helping to keep it watertight.

Should the soffits always match the fascia?

Generally homeowners select soffits to match the colour of the fascia, but if you are wanting to make a statement you can choose contrasting colours or slightly different variations of the same shade. You may also choose to match the soffits to other external features such as the windows and doors.

Can you replace the fascia without having to remove the gutters?

It is not possible to replace the fascia without removing the gutters as the guttering is fixed to the fascia board. Generally the guttering is removed whilst the fascia are being installed and then can be re-installed on to the new fascia board. Often people take advantage of the roofers working on the roofline to have the guttering replaced at the same time, particularly if they have had to pay for the added expense of scaffolding.

What is the purpose of fascia and soffits?

People often assume that the fascia and soffits are just a decorative feature on your home, and don’t realise that they are a fundamental part of the home defence, keeping the property waterproof by bridging the gap between the roof and the walls. The fascia also supports the guttering, downpipes and the lower row of roof tiles so needs to be robust and sturdy.

The soffit system also allows ventilation in the roof area. Our upvc systems allow air through the ventilated design which eliminates any worry you have about condensation that you may have had in your attic.

If the fascia and soffits are effective and have been correctly installed and preserved, they will extend the lifespan of your roof. This is why it is essential to regularly inspect your fascia and soffits for any problems because if rainwater begins to infiltrate the roofline you may end up paying for a whole new roof if the issue isn’t dealt with straight away.