Make sure your fascia and soffits are in good condition
Fascia and soffits are integral to the structure of a property. They protect the roof and keep water, condensation and damp out of the home. Without fascia and soffits, every home owner would have frequent problems with their roof, tiles, roof void and guttering.
But fascia and soffits are pretty much taken for granted. Many people don’t notice them, never mind understand what they do. While they tend to last for years, fascia and soffits do need replacing, so every homeowner eventually needs to recognise the signs.
Tell tale signs
There are a number of signs and symptoms that it’s time for new fascia and soffits:
- Soft patches in wood, which means rot or holes are appearing
- Crackled, flaking paint, which is a general sign of age
- Evidence of animals and rodents; mice, rats and squirrels can take up home in the smallest of openings and be a sign your roofline is deteriorating
- Evidence of asbestos used in existing fascia and soffits, which is a sign you need a specialist to investigate the construction
- Water in the roof void, which proves something is leaking
- Evidence of condensation – always something to worry about
- Lack of ventilation
When to replace
The frequency of replacement and repair differs according to the state of the existing roofline and the materials the fascia and soffits are made from.
More regular checks are needed in older homes, properties which haven’t had much in the way of maintenance, or where the homeowner has chosen wood for the fascia and soffits. They can last for many years, but neglect will always take its toll.
If you have just bought a property and the fascia and soffits contain asbestos, you absolutely must get them looked at by a specialist company with experience of proper removal. Asbestos is not dangerous when left in situ, but it is very dangerous if it moves or breaks, and many homeowners choose to proactively bring in a company to get rid of it for that reason. Do not do this yourself.
If you can see holes or cracks in the boards, this is also the time to look at replacement. Ignore the signs and the bill will only increase, particularly if there’s water ingress and damage to the structure of the roof.
If there’s confirmation of any animal habitation, you need to get a quote sooner rather than later as their nesting will lead to further damage.
Not a job for DIY enthusiasts
If you think your fascia and soffits need replacing, talk to a company you can trust. Hamiltons has a team of experts ready to help assess the state of your roofline and suggest the necessary work. We will also provide a comprehensive quote and survey, and will carry out the tasks with no fuss or hidden fees. Don’t wait until the worst happens: talk to us today.
