Rooflines are an architectural feature of a home that not many people pay attention to until there's a problem. The ridge is the very top of the roof, but below it and along its sides under where eaves meet - this area is called the 'roofline'. You may be wondering what fascias or soffits are? We're experts in all these things! Just give us call for assistance with repair or replacement on any part of your house.
It is important to keep your roofline in mind, but most people do not until there's a problem!
A majority of homeowners don't know what the term means and may often mistake it for the ridge at the very top. This area extends from where you see eaves on each side down towards soffits or fascia board that wrap around corners (sometimes under an eave as well). Barge boards can also be found here.
Roofline design can include
Standard benefits:
- Your house will look like new.
- You'll have a safe and dry home.
Emotional benefits:
- Your family will be safer in your new, improved home.
Have you given much thought to the roofline of your home? Not many people do - until there's a problem! You may not even know what is meant by 'roofline'.
It's not, as many people imagine, the very top of the roof, which is the ridge. The roofline is the part just below where the roof begins, under the eaves. It's where the soffits, fascias and bargeboards are situated.
Not sure what fascias and soffits are? Or a bargeboard? Never fear! These things are our speciality. But even if you're familiar with the terms, you still might need professional help with repair and replacement when things go wrong.
Either way, you're in the right place for advice and assistance on roofline design, repair, and replacement. Let's start with the basics and hopefully answer any questions you might have.
The fascia board on your house is a long piece of boarding running the full length of the property. It is where the gutters are fixed and is attached to the ends of the roof trusses. In most cases, it supports the first line of roof tiles. Because of this, it has to be very strong and in a good state of repair.
If this board decays or warps, then the guttering could collapse, or roof tiles may slip. Fascia boards were traditionally made from wood, which tends to rot over time. It is important to check fascias periodically to ensure that they are sound.
Soffit boards are attached to the underneath of the fascia, and are the part you probably see first when you look up at the roofline. You may have a vented soffit, which will have slits in to allow air to circulate inside the roof area. Alternatively, the ventilation slits will be set at the top of the fascia boards. Wherever the slits are situated, they are an essential part of the design as they stop condensation from accumulating, as this can lead to rotted joists and rafters, or damage to the interior of your home.
As you can see, fascias and soffit boards are practical, but they also need to look their best because they are visible. They don't need to be ornate, but they should at least be clean and bright, and in good condition.
Also included in the roofline are bargeboards and box ends. Bargeboards are situated at the gable ends, which are the triangular sections of wall, usually on each end of the house, where the two roof pitches are joined.
These boards can be plain, but over the years many homeowners have opted for a range of attractive designs that enhance the look of their property. Again, they are practical as well as appealing.
To finish it all off using and connect the soffits, fascias, joint trims and bargeboards, a box end is added at the gable end. It is important that this is designed and fitted properly to provide a neat and professional finish.
Although wooden fascia boards are still used, PVC and uPVC fascia boards are becoming increasingly popular.
What's the difference between PVC and uPVC? Well, PVC (short for polyvinyl chloride) is a plastic polymer. It is strong, durable and lightweight, easy to install, and can be manufactured in a range of colours, making it an ideal alternative to timber fascias. Its main advantage over wood, however, is that it doesn't rot.
As for uPVC, the 'u' means 'unplasticised', meaning that is not as flexible as PVC (which has chemicals added to increase its flexibility) but otherwise it has the same qualities. As long as it is handled properly there shouldn't be any problems.
Both uPVC and PVC fascias provide low maintenance alternatives to wooden versions that will protect your property from the elements.
They're not just pretty, they serve a vital function in protecting the structure of your home and will need replacing at some point.
You should replace them if you notice the following:
Mice, rats, or squirrels nesting in your eaves are a sign that the soffit boards and fascias have been compromised.
This is always bad news! Older properties may have asbestos in the construction. If this has been damaged or degraded, it will require specialist removal.
Without adequate ventilation in the home, condensation will form. This increases the risk of problems with damp and mould. Blocked vents in soffits or fascia boards could mean that they are damaged or filled with debris.
Aside from looking bad, it could be a sign that the wood beneath has started to decay. If you can insert a thin blade easily into the grain on your fascia board and it goes to the hilt, then your timber is definitely rotten.
Cracks allow water in, which can cause wood to decay. The last thing you need is rotted joists and rafters.
If you notice any of these, or a combination of them, then it's probably time to have your fascias and soffits replaced.
uPVC capping boards are a quick and effective way of reinforcing your existing fascias. They are simply fixed over the top to provide a clean, durable, modern look that provides long-lasting protection. They are also maintenance-free, meaning that they won't need painting!
9mm foiled fascias, which have a wood grain pattern incorporated in them, are often used for capping existing ones.
Yes, it is a common part of a professional roofer's job to fix fascia boards, soffit boards, bargeboards, and box ends. We understand the importance of keeping the roofline in good repair while making sure it looks perfect.
If you are concerned about your roofline, then feel free to call us for more information and to discuss your fascia installation project, soffit replacement, damaged guttering, or any other roofing problems.
We pride ourselves on the fact that we offer a comprehensive range of high-quality materials at competitive prices, and will always provide cost-effective, fully guaranteed solutions to all our customers.
Common colours in the UK for fascias / soffits:
