Advice for choosing your fascia and soffit
Which Fascia and Soffit systems do we recommend?
When considering renovations for your home the Fascia and Soffit systems are usually an afterthought but replacing the roofline is a cost effective way to give your home a refresh, they are a finishing touch that updates your exterior and creates a clean modern look. It is important that the Fascia and soffit boards enhance the architectural features of your home and compliment the style and aesthetic of your property rather than stand out in contrast.
Traditionally timber has been the material of choice for Fascia and Soffits but more recently people are turning to uPVC as a material that is weather resistant and requires little maintenance. With timber boards they require regular painting to maintain their waterproof barrier, especially with all the Lancashire rain, and if they are not adequately cared for the timber can become rotten, letting in moisture to the structure of the property. If your existing Fascia are timber ensure you check for any peeling or cracked paint, or any soft patches of wood as these are signs that water has penetrated the wood and your property is exposed to water damage. Neglected Fascia will deteriorate quickly especially with the amount of wet weather we have in the Northwest.
We recommend uPVC roofline systems as they are a very robust long-lasting material, and do not require painting regularly, and the colour will not fade like painted timber. Another important factor to take into account is that uPVC is cost-effective, particularly as they will not need to be replaced for many years.
As all our roofline systems are supplied by the same manufacturer, we can guarantee colour matching with the Fascia, Soffits, Cladding and Guttering. The Soffit boards come in a choice of colours including White, Cream and Grey, as well as the modern woodgrain range that gives the appearance of timber without the upkeep, these come in Golden Oak, Rosewood, Irish Oak, White Ash and Black Ash. You can always find a colour that best compliments your home. You want to create a balanced colourway with your external architectural features, so consider your roof, windows, doors, cladding, fascia, soffits and guttering. This doesn’t mean they all need to be the same colour, you might want to contrast colours, black and white monochrome is still a popular choice for modern and traditional houses, but think how the colours work together. You might even want to consider the colour of your patio, paths and garage doors, they all effect the overall look of your property.
Advantages of uPVC Fascia and Soffit systems
They are extremely durable with an increased capacity of withstanding harsh elements such as the Lancashire weather.
They are very long lasting with a life expectancy of 35 years.
UPVC systems are easy to maintain with no need to repaint.
They help to keep heating bills low as the roofline is sealed.
The colour is less resistant to fade over time.
They use a ventilated design to prevent condensation.
UPVC is considered a sustainable product.
With many years experience installing roof systems we have found uPVC to be the best material for Fascia and Soffits. These systems have an increased capacity for withstanding the harsh elements of the Northwest weather, being resistant to heat and cold. They require minimum maintenance as they do not need repainting and will not fade. The system has an inbuilt ventilation which is essential for keeping condensation out of the roof area, it allows air to circulate without allowing creatures to invade the roof space.
The clean smart finish of new uPVC Fascia and Soffits can enhance the aesthetic of your home but also increase the value of your property, particularly because buyers know they will need little attention in the future. They can see you have invested in your house.
Why UPVC for fascia and soffit sytems is a sustainable choice
UPVC achieves an A rating for residential homes and an A+ rating for commercial buildings in the BRE Green Guide
Each piece of recycled uPVC will provide hundreds of years worth of usage.
Environmental impact is reduced.
Superior energy efficiency as purposed engineered.
Lessens the amount of PVC-U sent to landfill
People do not expect UPVC to be a sustainable product but it can be recycled and reused up to ten times, with each product having an expected duration of 35 years, so each piece of uPVC has a minimum life span of 350 years.
Our supplier has won many awards for sustainability including Manufacturer of the Year at the highly regarded MRW National Recycling Awards in 2018 and they recycled an incredible 3 million window frames in 2020.
So uPVC systems are not only good for your home as they are particularly durable, they are also good for your pocket as they are cost efficient, as well as being good for the environment.
How to choose your fascia board
There are many different types of fascia; Ogee Fascia, Bullnose Fascia, Square Fascia, Flat Fascia or Reveal Liner/Cap Over Board. With all these styles, sizes, colours and shapes to choose from it can often be a difficult task to choose a new or replacement uPVC fascia board. It is hard to know that you are making the correct decision when it comes to aesthetic and installation. This article will help you with this and allow you to choose the right fascia board for you. The first important decision to make is the style of the fascia you will need. The options are: Bullnose, Square, Ogee, Flat or Reveal liners. If you are needing a full replacement fascia, where the existing timbers will be completely removed, you will need at least a 16mm board thickness, this is to ensure you meet BBA approval. This means your fascia board will be thick enough to securely nail directly into the rafters. It will also be strong enough to hold the guttering. A fascia that is 9mm would only be suitable for capping over existing timber fascia boards.
Lastly, you will have to choose the size of the fascia. Usually the smallest option available is 150mm high, this goes up in small increments to the largest size, which is commonly 405mm high. Make sure you measure the height of your current fascia board before you place your order. It is often better to order the fascia and soffit board too big than it is too small, because they can easily be trimmed down to size using a fine toothed saw.
Choosing your Soffit Board
There are three types of uPVC soffit boards to choose from; Hollow Soffit, Pre-Ventilated Soffit and Solid Soffit.
The most common is the Solid Soffit, it is easy to install and can sit of the lip of the fascia return leg. When you use Solid Soffit boards it is essential that it is installed over a fascia ventilation or soffit disc vents. Pre-vented soffit is a solid soffit board that has small pre-drilled ventilation holes, this is to let airflow, which keeps the roofline system in good condition. uPVC Hollow Soffit boards are also simple to install, they are also a slightly cheaper alternative to solid uPVC Soffit Boards, which is why it is usually used for wide soffit applications.
Redline is an established company that has been working in Preston and Lancashire for over thirty-five years, we have received many positive reviews over the years from our many satisfied customers. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a free quote.
Advice when choosing your Facsia and Soffit System
If you have any further questions about fascia and soffit systems do not hesitate to contact us. Another important aspect to consider is your bargeboard and your dry verge, so if you need any help with this feel free to ask us and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you out or give you some advice. You can also check our website for more information on all of these topics. See our guide How important are fascia and soffits.
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 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.