When you look at most houses, you’ll often see boarding that runs directly underneath the roof – the fascia board. Typically, you’ll find upvc fascia boards, but they can also be made from timber or aluminium, too. At our Sutton Coldfield roofing contractors, MW Roofline, we get lots of questions about fascia boards and they are one of the most common causes of call-outs.

What do upvc fascia boards do?

Upvc fascia boards act as a barrier between the outside and edge of your roof, often protecting the roof from weather damage. Because fascia boards are usually found where the gutter attaches to the roof, it often has to hold a large amount of water while also supporting the bottom row of roof tiles. Therefore, upvc fascia boards have an important job to do, and keeping a close eye on their health is highly important.

Signs of wear and tear in upvc fascia boards

It’s not always obvious knowing when to replace fascia boards but there are things that can sound alarm bells. Some of them include:
⦁ Hairline cracks
⦁ Standing water
⦁ Overflowing water
⦁ Sagging
⦁ Water damage on the inside of your home
⦁ Rotting
⦁ Falling away from the roofline

Why are upvc fascia boards so good?

Unlike wooden fascia boards, ones made from upvc are less vulnerable to weather changes and are not prone to rotting. Rotting is a problem because when the fascia board is rotten, it lets water ingress and cannot keep the roofline in place. This puts the entire roof at risk and therefore can affect the whole of your property.

How to fit fascia boards

If you’re wondering how to fit fascia boards, you’re not alone. Hundreds of homeowners consider doing it themselves, only to realise its complexity once they get started. There’s no way to replace fascia board without removing gutters because the gutters are mounted to the board. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, a roofing contractor may be better equipped to do a professional job. However, if you do want to have a go yourself:

⦁ Start by removing all existing fascia boards and old guttering and downpipes.
⦁ Remove the first couple of layers of roof tiles and inspect the felt.
⦁ Fit new ventilation and felt if required.
⦁ Check the rafters to make sure the timber is structurally sound and that it hasn’t rotted.
⦁ Any rafters that show signs of rot will need to be replaced.
⦁ Make sure you’re following building regulation guidelines if you’re fitting upvc fascia boards on a new build.
⦁ Fit suitable gable framing to securely fix bargeboards.

Should you hire a Sutton Coldfield roofing contractor to fit your new upvc fascia boards?

The importance of the roof of your home cannot be underestimated. It protects the integrity of the building, protects your belongings, and your family. When one element of the roofing is not doing its job, for example, the upvc fascia boards, the whole roofing system can be put at risk.

If you know how to fit upvc fascia boards and are confident in your ability to do a professional job, doing it yourself might be okay. But nine times out of 10, calling a professional roofer is a safer, more efficient way of ensuring your roof and the safety of your property are guaranteed. Rather than trying to work out how to fit fascia boards, it’s often best to play it safe and employ an expert who knows exactly what they are doing.

Sutton Coldfield roofers – MW Roofline

At MW Roofline, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners just like you to ensure their roofing is installed professionally, on time, and in budget. We understand that your roofline is one of the most important things to look after in your home, and will ensure yours is of a high standard. To talk to us about your roofing needs, please call 0121 353 5646.