Roofing shingles are already flawlessly functional for your roof but there are more elements, the lesser-known components which benefit your roof aesthetically and structurally.
Soffits and fascias are two of these lesser-known components. You’re probably not familiar with the names and are asking yourself, “what are fascias?” and “what are soffits?” Luckily for you, we have the answer. This article is a comprehensive guide to fascias and soffits and will tell you everything you need to know about them.
Fascias and soffits give your house a finished look and add a distinct visual appeal. There is also a huge possibility of it being vulnerable to a variety of problems if it doesn’t have properly functioning fascias and soffits. Roofers Cardiff takes immense pride in being among some of the top distributors of top-notch roofing supplies. We are professional and competent when it comes to dealing with fascias and soffits installation.
If you have asked yourself “what are fascias?” and “what are soffits?”, then keep reading because we have all the information you need about fascias and soffits!
What Are Fascias?
The fascia is a panel located under the roof’s edge or the roofline. Fascia, which are commonly known as fascia boards, are broad straight lines situated at the bottom of the roof and firmly fastened to the roof bands. It supports the very last line of tiles and other roofing materials such as the guttering. Fascias, similar to soffits, operate dually, as they complete the house’s appearance and protect the inner surfaces from weather damage.
Fascia panels are commonly made of wood which is prepared and coated with paint to increase its durability and let it last longer. It is also the most profitable material, but it requires constant changing because regardless of how carefully maintained it is, wood is always open to decay and disintegration. Some businesses create a hybrid material out of wood and other materials such as recycled plastic, woodchips, and sawdust that are bonded together with adhesive glue. While they are immune to rotting and other deterioration, they are often twice as expensive as standard wooden fascias.
A lot of producers now provide plastic or vinyl fascias that may be colored and styled to coordinate with other roofing components to offer a unified appearance. These are less costly than wooded parts, are more durable, and are simpler to maintain.
What Are Soffits?
The term “soffit” is Latin and translates to ‘fastened below’. They are mostly utilised in the main roofing region but are not limited to it as they are also found beneath patios and staircases. They are made from a variety of materials, including fibers, concrete, steel, and wood.
Taking that into consideration, it’s worth noting that a UPVC soffit is a considerably more popular choice when compared to other options. There are several advantages of using this material for soffits, the most notable would be its long-lasting durability, which renders it immune to decaying or bending.
The soffit of a roofing system has a dual function. It improves the appearance of the roof while protecting the rafters from the weather. If a soffit was not installed to cover the rafters, they would decay and perhaps let mold develop then into the house, both of which are severe concerns and result in expensive repairs. Once mold has infiltrated a house, it is very hard to remove without the assistance of a remedial business.
Soffits are available in vented types and contribute to the ventilation of a home. They enable air to flow throughout the house while limiting the amount of moisture that enters it, eliminating any dampness-related issues.
As previously stated, plastic (UPVC) is a popular material for soffits for a myriad of reasons. It is less expensive as compared to metals like aluminum and steel, has superior insulating qualities, and does not decay. It is also available in a variety of finishes and hues, allowing you to personalise your home and match whatever design you desire for the roof. Plastic is also resistant to water, making it an excellent choice for higher humidity environments. Furthermore, it is also the simplest material to maintain and clean, as well.
Wood is occasionally used for soffits, too, although it has a shorter lifespan than plastic since it is vulnerable to both decay and rot over time and unfit for humid places.
10 Things You Must Ask Before Choosing Your Fascias and Soffits Fitters
When deciding whether or not to replace your fascia and soffits, it might be difficult to determine who to hire to do the task. But, whether you’re searching for a small soffit and fascia firm or a bigger business like Roofers Cardiff, there are a few questions you need to ask before committing to letting anybody perform the work.
Have You Done This Type of Home Before? May I See Photos?
Before deciding on which fascias and soffits fitters to use for your home upgrades, it is essential to understand their eligibility and the effectiveness of their work. This will be possible after they provide you with photographs of their previous projects and you go through them.
Keep an eye on the details, and contemplate a ‘box end’ finishing as it contains a specialised piece of plastic created particularly for the purpose at hand. This work should not be completed with scraps, have no gaps, and be at a right angle.
What Fixings Do You Use?
Any reputable fascias and soffits installer would know that only ring shank nails, also known as poly top pins, are appropriate for the task.
When it comes to fixings, we have three sizes available, all of which are beneficial to your home. Our 65mm fixing is typically the best choice for the purpose, but the smaller 50mm is will also suffice. However, 40mm or smaller really shouldn’t be utilised and if anyone recommends those, it is best to reconsider hiring them.
What Do You Fix Them To?
Attaching a new fascia to the rafter legs is acceptable if they are fully straight and free of problems.
However, if the rafters are curved or broken, plastic bracing or a variation of different wood noggins must be fastened to them to give them a high-strength anchoring for the fascia. This helps straighten out the fascia board and then also gives the soffit board a strong anchoring base.
Should I Replace the Gutters Too?
It could make sense to replace the current gutters in your house with newer ones if they are more than a decade old, since you are already paying to dismantle and refit them. Keep in mind that if you do end up replacing the gutters, you shouldn’t have to spend significantly more for the job, you just have to pay the cost of the replacement gutter installation.
Will You Use Scaffolding? What Type Will You Use?
Because it saves money, skilled fascia and soffit installers will most likely utilise their temporary employment platforms to operate. If a complete scaffolding is necessary for any reason, the expenses will skyrocket. Bring this up since it puts the price of the quotation into perspective and allows customers to evaluate any estimates on a like-for-like premise.
Are You Insured for Accidents and Any Damage to My Property?
The goal of public liability insurance is designed to safeguard the installer from legal responsibility, lawsuits for personal harm, or damage to property that could arise while carrying out their operation.
A fascia installer who does not have this sort of insurance is exposing themselves to a long list of problems. Do not hesitate to request a copy of the certificate if necessary. If the response is no, keep well away.
Is Your Quote an Estimate or a Fixed-price Quote?
Asking this question is crucial for you and your home renovation. Quotes with fixed prices should generally be lauded, although estimates are subject to change. And no one likes to read the end of a project and discover that they have to pay 40% more than the initial ‘estimate.’
Check to see if VAT will be included in the amount when you’re inquiring about money. If it isn’t, add an additional 20% to your quota.
Do I Have to Pay a Deposit or Give You Any Cash Up Front?
The answer to this question will be determined by the size of the firm with whom you are working. Smaller businesses may have to obtain some payment or a deposit beforehand, particularly for larger contracts, in order to purchase supplies like fascias and soffits and avoid the possibility of a last-minute cancellation.
Generally, you should never be requested to settle the entire cost beforehand, and you should avoid paying the full bill until you are completely satisfied with the finished project. If you are dissatisfied with the standard of the job, notify your contractor immediately so that you may figure out an acceptable solution.
Conclusion
We hope this information has helped you make an enlightened decision about which fascias and soffits installers to hire for your work.