Signs It's Time to Replace Your UPVC Fascias and Soffits (And What to Do Next)

Many people think of their home’s uPVC fascias and soffits as decorative elements, but these roofing components play an important role in protecting your loft space. If your fascias and soffits aren’t looking as good as they used to, it might be time to replace them. 

How to Know When Your Soffits and Fascias Need Replacing

It’s time to consider fascia and soffit replacement if you notice any of the following:

Cracks: Cracks in your soffits and fascias make it easy for debris, pests, and water to enter the loft space, causing structural damage. Additionally, they could make your fascia and soffit boards unstable, leading to them collapsing and potentially damaging your guttering.

Flaking paint: If you have painted wooden fascias and soffits, flaking paint may be a sign that they or your roofline are no longer waterproof. This could also indicate your boards are rotting.

Holes: Holes in your fascias can compromise their integrity, making it more difficult for the boards to support roof tiles and guttering, and allow water to enter the loft. Holes in soffits make it easier for dirt, pests, and water to enter the loft.

Increased humidity, damp, or a bad odour in the loft: If you notice damp, unpleasant odours, or increased humidity in your loft, it may be a sign that the soffit vents are blocked, leading to poor ventilation. If you can’t unblock the soffits, they may need replacing.

Leaks: Leaks or watermarks on the inside walls of your home or water pooling on the floor after rain might be a sign that your uPVC fascias and soffits are allowing rainwater into the loft due to damage or incorrect installation.

Sagging: If your fascias sag, it’s a sign they’re either warping or pulling away from the roofline. Sagging soffits could be a sign of poor workmanship or water pooling or debris accumulating on their upper side under the overhang.

Signs of pest infestation: Check for signs of pest infestation, such as insects, birds, nests, or hives, behind the soffits and in the loft.

Why Timely Fascia and Soffit Replacement Matters

If your fascias and soffits need to be replaced, it’s essential that you get the job done sooner rather than later. Postponing fascia and soffit replacement could lead to small problems becoming worse.

By replacing your soffit and fascia boards as soon as possible, you can prevent roof damage, improve the airflow in your loft, and avoid repair work that will cost much more than simply replacing these important roofline components.

Repair or Replace uPVC Fascias and Soffits?

You might be wondering if you can have your damaged uPVC fascias and soffits repaired instead of opting for a full replacement. While some minor issues can be repaired, this is usually a temporary solution. When weighing up whether to repair or replace your soffits and fascias, consider their age and lifespan, the extent of the damage, and their impact on your home’s structural integrity.

The Replacement Process: What to Expect

When it comes to fascia and soffit replacement, there are a few basic steps to follow. These include:

Preparation: One or two rows of tiles will need to be removed from the bottom of the roof before the guttering, bargeboards, and old fascias and soffits are removed with a claw hammer and pry bar.

Inspection: The rafters and the felt on them must be inspected for damage. Damaged felt must be replaced with new felt or eaves protectors and rafters repaired and sealed before continuing with the next step.

Soffit support installation: If there isn’t enough support for the new soffits, new supports should be installed. Hangars can be installed on the rafter boards, noggins can be attached to the wall, or the rafters can be used for support.

Fascia and soffit installation: The fascia and soffit boards should be cut back by 5mm to allow for expansion, and the rafters should be inspected to make sure they’re level. The fascias and soffits can then be installed using capped screws or plastic-headed pins.

Finishing: Any gaps between the soffits and your home’s exterior wall should be sealed with a sealant. Once complete, the bargeboards and guttering can be reinstalled.

Costs: What to Expect

Replacing uPVC fascias and soffits isn’t likely to break the bank. At Home Improvement Supplies, fascia prices range from around £2 to £164, while soffit board and vent prices range from £4 to £184.

If you hire a professional for fascia and soffit replacement, you can expect to pay approximately £150 per linear metre. You may also need to hire scaffolding at an additional £20 to £40 per square metre. The average cost of replacing fascias and soffits for a small semi-detached house is approximately £2,750, including labour and waste removal.

Soffit and Fascia Material Options

While soffit and fascias come in aluminium, wood, and uPVC, most homeowners choose uPVC or wood. Aluminum may be durable and have a long lifespan, but it’s the most expensive and requires some maintenance over the years.

Wood fascias and soffits are environmentally friendly and economical, but they have a shorter lifespan and require a significant amount of care and maintenance. uPVC fascias and soffits are strong, durable, cost-effective, low maintenance, available in various finishes and colours, have a long lifespan, and are resistant to cracking, fading, rot, and the weather.

The Benefits of Working with Professionals

Fascia and soffit replacement might be a doddle for experienced DIY enthusiasts. However, if that doesn’t sound like you, we recommend hiring professionals to do the job. 

By working with professionals, you don’t need to work at a height, and can benefit from their expertise, and technical knowledge. You can expect accurate measurements and fitting as well as proper sealing and flashing. The result is a neat finish, reduced maintenance and repair needs, and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance coverage include fascia and soffit replacement?

In the UK, home insurance may cover fascia and soffit replacement if fire, a storm, or vandalism caused the damage. Check your policy details for coverage, exclusions, and limitations.

What’s the average lifespan of uPVC fascia and soffit boards?

Good-quality uPVC fascias and soffits usually have a lifespan of 20 years or more, with some lasting for between 35 and 50 years. The lifespan of your fascias and soffits depends on your material, maintenance, whether they’re installed correctly, and weather conditions. 

Can I repair my soffits instead of replacing them?

You can repair your soffits if the damage is superficial, localised, or minor. We recommend thoroughly inspecting your soffits before deciding whether to repair or replace them, and asking a professional to assist with the inspection, if possible.

Quality Fascias, Soffits, and Workmanship

It’s best not to take any chances when the integrity of your home and the safety of your loved ones are at risk. Choose reliable uPVC fascias and soffit boards from Home Improvement Supplies. We take pride in the quality of our roofing components and the workmanship of our professional installers. 

Please contact us for advice, recommendations, queries, or a quote. Invest in your home and face the future with confidence.