Should you Replace Fascias and Soffits With a New Roof?

When it comes to home repairs and upkeep, it can be hard to know when you need to replace and repair certain parts and structures. Fascias and soffits are essential to the structure of your home, protecting your roof and keeping condensation out of your house. They help protect your home from endless issues with your roofing and guttering, which we all want to try and avoid! Today we’re going to discuss replacing your fascias and soffits when you install a new roof, to help you know whether it’s something you need to be considering for your property currently.

Is it time to replace your fascias and soffits?

To begin with, it’s important to know exactly what these important parts look like and their role in your home.

A fascia is a horizontal board, or set of boards, that runs along the edge of a roofline. Their main role is to close the gap between your roof and the walls below, stopping water from entering the roof space.

A soffit is a board that is tucked under the fascia, it can actually comes from French and translates as “something fixed underneath”.  Soffits are generally used to protect the rafters / eaves. The soffit can allow ventilation and airflow into the roof.  It is what is most commonly seen from street level when looking up.

Fascias and Soffits are something that we notice every day in our home, and they generally go many years without needing any attention or thought. However, after some time, they will have signs of wear and tear, and therefore need replacing. If you are replacing your roof, these will become very apparent to you, but it doesn’t mean you necessarily need them replaced at the same time.

The most common sign that it’s time for soffit or fascia replacement is that the paint is cracked and flaking, which will show the age of the fittings. If you find evidence of animals or rodents, it’s an indication that the roofline has begun to deteriorate, allowing them into your home. Asbestos will also need to be investigated further, and your construction will need to be checked out by a professional.

Additionally, evidence of water or condensation are always big concerns and are sure signs that it may be time for a replacement. Additionally, a lack of ventilation in your home is another issue, as a good installation will allow for proper ventilation throughout your home.

Replacing Fascias and Soffits

If you are experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, it may be time to replace your fascias and soffits. If you don’t have any specific concerns, it’s not a necessity when fitting a new roof to have the work done, but it’s something you should regularly check in the future. However, some people decide that they would like a replacement for aesthetic reasons, and decide that the colour of the fascias and soffits should be changed to match the roofing or home design better. There are many great benefits to replacing fascias and soffits, especially if you currently have timber ones. uPVC is a fantastic material, that is long-lasting and low maintenance if you do choose to go through with the replacement.

It’s important to familiarise yourself with your fascias and soffits in your home so that when issues do arise with your roofing or ventilation, you will have a stronger understanding of the causes. If you have any questions about your fascias and soffits or are considering a replacement, don’t hesitate to contact us today, and one of our team will be more than happy to answer your questions and concerns.