Replacing Roofing Soffits and Fascias

Sooner or later it will be necessary to replace or renovate the fascias and soffits on your roof. The fascias and soffits are the sections between the roofing and wall behind the guttering.

Roof Repairs Leicester / Roofers Manchester / Roofer Birmingham

Replace or Renovate?

This will be hinge on the state of the existing materials. If the original – or elderly – soffits and fascias, they are likely to be made of wood. If they have just become a little tatty, then sand down and repaint with a good weatherproof paint may well be enough. Even if the condition of the wood in places is poor, it is possible to replace the odd section and repaint the rest. A good roofing contractor can inspect and advise on whether renovation will be enough.

Leicester Roofers / Roofers in Manchester

If you decide on renovation, then it will need doing again in the future. If this does not appeal, or if the condition of the existing fascias and soffits is too poor to be renovated, then replacing will be required.

Replacement Options

It is basically a choice between wood or plastic (UPVC). As with replacement windows, UPVC has become very popular in soffit and fascia roof installations. The main attractions of UPVC – and a selling point the companies offering this roofing service will reinforce – is the lack of maintenance required compared to wood.

The Pros and Cons of UPVC

Theoretically, UPVC won’t need replacing or renovating aside from the occasional wipe down, it will not rot, and certain types of installation can provide roofing ventilation systems to inhibit condensation/moisture build up, and preventative measures can be made to stop birds and insects nesting in the eves or under the soffit.

That said, not all UPVC is equal: some is of a higher quality of manufacture than others. The poorer UPVC will discolour over time – sometimes not that long, either. Maybe only three or four years will pass before the pristine white at installation turns cream or worse a pale green colour.

The Pros and Cons of Wood

The advantages of wood are mainly that you know what you are buying. Unlike the variable quality of UPVC, it is far easier to be sure you are roofing with good quality wood. Some homes simply look ‘better’ with traditional wood roofing, and it is easier to predict how much and how often you may need to renovate over the ensuing years. With UPVC, it may last years before needing any attention – on the other hand, a poor roofing installation may need major and expensive attention sooner.

Ensuring a Good UPVC Installation

There are many companies offering UPVC roofing services ranging from the household name home improvement companies to the one or two man roofing outfits. Prices/estimates vary widely – sometimes by thousands of pounds.

The best approach is to ask people you know who have had similar work done for their recommendations and experiences. Speak to at least five or six companies and get prices – and do not be pressured into a decision.

Related Content

• Roofing Contractor Delays « Jasper Contractors | Roof Replacement …
• Roof In Need Of Repair? Roofers In Knoxville Can Help! » Article …