Is it best to cap or replace fascia boards?

Daniel Weadley Roofing believe strongly that the existing fascia and soffit boards should be fully removed prior to the installation of any new Upvc boards. It is very common for timber fascia boards to have some degree of rot. This is usually on the top edge - caused either by gutter splash or by water being blown behind the gutter and onto the board. From ground level it is difficult to see the rot that is often located behind the guttering (see photos). Regular painting of timber fascia boards can offer protection from rot however most homeowners and some professional painters only paint up to the guttering - not above it. Capping over rotten timber with a plastic cap fascia will seal in the rot allowing it to spread rapidly.

(1)All timber fascia boards will hold some degree of moisture. Capping over the timber fascia boards will seal in the moisture leading to rot.

(2)Manufacturers of Upvc fascia and soffit boards as well as many installers offer guarantees on the products. In most cases the guarantee will cover the materials - not the structure the boards are fixed to. Ensuring the Upvc products are fixed to a sound structure is vital.

(3)On many properties the existing fascia and soffit boards are only a few millimetres above the windows. Capping over the boards could cause the opening windows to hit the new boards - a window that cant fully open could prove to be fatal in the event of a house fire.

(4)Capping over the existing fascia boards will result in the new guttering being set slightly further away from the roof. Rainwater could run off the roof and behind the guttering.

(5)Based on experience it is the opinion of Daniel Weadley Roofing that any tradesman or fascia company who reccomends capping over the existing boards should be avoided.

(6)The photos on this page show rot that is hidden behind the guttering. This rot is only revealed by the removal of the roof tiles and the guttering. A tradesman who recommends capping over the boards without first checking the condition of all the timber should be avoided.

More information can be found on the roofline FAQs and also on the specifications page.

We typically cover the following towns and surrounding areas:

• Aldershot - Farnham - Farnborough
• Camberley - Fleet - Basingstoke
• Woking - Ascot - Bracknell
• Godalming - Sunningdale - Bagshot

We are based in Camberley, Surrey and carry out new Upvc roofline installations and repairs to customers within our local area.

Our quotations are in in writing and always free of charge.

You can contact us by email or by telephone here.