Fascias and soffits are the areas on the exterior of your home’s walls, underneath the roof line. The fascia is that thin strip along the top and bottom of each wall; it supports and hides the ends of your home’s gutters. The soffit sits under your eave and covers where you can’t see: all those necessary little holes for outdoor wiring and plumbing, beams, insulation–any number of things.
What role do fascias and soffits play on a roof?
Both the fascia and the soffit serve a practical purpose: they keep water from entering your home. The underside of your roof is anything but waterproof; it consists of boards covered with shingles, which cannot prevent moisture from traveling through its cracks and channels.
Keeping water out of your home has an effect on more than just ceiling paint or drywall. It also keeps the wood that makes up exterior walls strong. If you allow water to enter your home–for example, by brushing against rotting gutters–the wood absorbs too much moisture, causing mold growth and structural failure.
The bottom line? Find out if you need new fascias or soffits before putting yourself at risk for expensive future repairs.
Process of Replacing Fascias and Soffits
When you need to replace fascias and soffits, you will need to go through a process of removing the old pieces and putting in new ones.
The first thing to do is check with your local building codes for any restrictions on the installation of fascias and soffits. You may need a permit to install these pieces, or you may need your gutters cleaned out before beginning. Then, remove all the old pieces according to code, making sure not to damage surrounding gutters or walls.
You will next need to lay down some roofing felt paper over everything–roof boards, beams, insulation boards–that is underneath where you are laying down new fascia and soffit material. This will protect those parts from moisture until you end up installing the new pieces.
A good choice for replacement fascias and soffits is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) material, which has a long life. It can be painted any color of your choice to match the exterior of your home.
When you maintain or replace your fascias and soffits, it not only helps ensure that your home looks better from the outside but also keeps structural damage at bay. Given how expensive roofing repairs can get, it’s worth taking care of these parts quickly–and cheaply, if possible! If you have even more questions about fascias and soffits or need help with your own replacement project, contact a local company in your area.
Here are other advantages of maintaining fascias and soffits:
- It helps you reduce the amount of inside maintenance needed.
- Maintaining fascias and soffits also reduces your risk for expensive roofing repairs later on.
- Reducing damage to gutters, walls, insulation boards, and beams means less money spent on materials.
- PVC fascia and soffit material comes in colours other than white; bright colours help make your home stand out!
When fascias and soffits are neglected, the damage can be extensive–and costly. The good news is that by checking them at least once a year during fall or spring roof inspections, you can protect yourself from future damage.
If you invest in properly maintaining or replacing your fascias and soffits, you’ll save yourself the costs of bigger structural repairs. Then, you can start saving up for that remodel project you’ve always wanted to do!
What are the symptoms that you need new fascias or soffits?
If any part of your exterior wall is rotted, then the fascia and soffit underneath it probably are too. Other signs that you need to replace them include:
- Cracks in your exterior walls, especially near the bottom
- Sagging boards
- Gaps between boards
How do I fix my fascias and soffits?
Replacing a fascia can be a simple DIY project if your home isn’t too tall; however, some companies will only attempt this job while standing on top of a ladder. You’ll want to hire someone else to install new soffits, which require more complicated work along with some kind of scaffolding or swing stage.
How much does it cost to replace fascias and soffits in the UK?
The price of replacing fascias and soffits in the UK depends on many factors. Such factors include the size of your home and the material used. In general, expect to pay between £700 and £1,200 for materials plus labour costs.
Many roofing contractors in the UK would provide free quotes on their services; therefore, contact the roofing contractor of your choice for more information.
How do I choose the best fascias and soffits installer?
Choosing a reputable fascias and soffits installer is important because you want to work with someone who has years of experience. The best person for the job will have all the necessary tools on hand as well as insurance documents, so that if something happens to your home or family while they are working there, it’s covered.
The fascia boards should be high quality, since these are an essential element for protecting your home from leaking. And finally, your new fascias and soffits should have warranty documents included, in case any problems arise after installation.
Do I need to replace my fascias and soffits?
Contact your local roofing contractor for a free quote today! Letting water into the house through damaged fascia boards can result in expensive damage, so get them replaced before it’s too late.
Fascia boards are inexpensive, but they keep the rain out; if you’ve got rotting wood or sagging gutters, make sure you replace them before water gets inside your home and causes extensive damage.
When should I replace my soffits and fascias?
You will need to replace your roofing details when your current ones are at least 50 years old. You may need to replace them even earlier if you notice any of the following warning signs
- Cracks around windows or doors
- Peeling paint on ceilings
- Stains on walls
- Sticky floors
Are fascias and soffits important?
Fascia boards are vital for protecting your home from water damage, as is replacing them before they wear out. If you have rotting wood, sagging gutters, or cracked fascia boards anywhere on your property, contact a local roofing contractor to help you replace them today. Choosing the right installer means getting someone with all the necessary tools and insurance documents inplace, so that you’re covered if anything happens while they work on your home.
The boards should be high quality, since they are an essential part of protecting your house from water damage. Also, make sure the fascias and soffits come with warranty documents in case there’s ever a problem after installation is complete.
Fascia boards may not seem like an important part of any exterior wall; however, these often overlooked elements keep damaging moisture out of homes everywhere. They provide protection against water leaks and rot, and they also protect the house’s exterior from severe weather.
Conclusion
Fascias and soffits are an essential part of your home’s exterior. These cheap, easily installed parts protect your home from severe weather and water damage. While you can install them yourself if the job is relatively simple (such as installing on top of an existing wall), it is best to hire a roofing contractor for more complicated installations.
Getting the right fascias and soffits installer means finding someone with years of experience. Make sure they have all the necessary tools and insurance documents in place before work begins on your property. All new fascias and soffits should come with warranty documents included, just in case any problems arise after installation is complete.