Fascias – also known as fascia boards – are the boards that run along the bottom of roof edges. They have a key role in weather protection and structural integrity, as well as the aesthetic appearance of a property. Fascias are not there purely for decoration; they actually have a very important job of protecting your roof.
The History Of Fascias
Prior to the introduction of fascias, house roof rafters were left exposed. These can been seen in many Tudor houses today. This meant they had to be painted regularly, as otherwise, the rot in the rafters would slowly spread up through the roof and eventually result in the entire roof structure needing to be replaced.
Subsequently, fascias were introduced to the roofline with two key purposes. Firstly, to allow the fitting of guttering and secondly, to protect the rafter ends. In effect, this made the fascias sacrificial boards that could be removed and discarded – should they start to rot – before any rot reached the roof rafters and caused lasting damage.
Modern Fascias
Nowadays, too many homeowners are unaware of the importance of fascias. As a result, they have chosen to cover their existing timber fascias with PVC. This is because it’s quick, easy, and cheap to install, making it an attractive choice. However, the reality is that the existing wood continues to rot behind the PVC. This risks the rot travelling to the rafters, onto the wall plate and potentially the loss of the entire roof.
We cannot lay blame on persons for covering the timber fascias 30 years ago, before it was fully understood how detrimental it could be. This bungalow has had its fascias covered less than 30 years ago. When we started to remove the PVC cover boards, this is what we found:
Understanding Fascias
You may find yourself wondering, if the wood is covered, how does it still rot? In the USA, a typical fascia board is painted on all six sides. This includes the front, back, top, bottom, and both ends – i.e. it is dipped in a tank of paint. However, in the UK, we typically paint only what we can see. Generally, this is the bottom and the front, but only up to the guttering, leaving some areas exposed to moisture. Let’s be honest, does anyone take off the guttering to paint the whole front of a board?
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only problem. Old roofing felt will often crumble and flake away at its most vulnerable point, which is the bottom, just behind the fascia. This means that water running through the holes in the felt runs down behind the (often unpainted) timber fascia and rots from the back. Regrettably, this is the bit touching the roof rafters, hence why the rot can quickly travel into the rafters.
Caring For Your Llanelli Property
We consider covering over fascias to be one of the most detrimental things you can do to a property due to the potential structural consequences it can have, particularly in places prone to rain or moisture. As a result, we would strongly advise anyone considering buying a property to check the fascias. Where the fascias have been covered over, have the rafters and wall plate checked from inside the attic for any signs of rot beginning.
Here at Classic PVC, we would rather see exposed wooden fascias, than wooden fascias that have been covered with PVC. Where wooden fascias exist, full replacement should be the only consideration, and if it unaffordable at this point in time, wait until it is affordable.
What Happens When Fascias Need Replacing
Replacing the fascias will involve the removal of the existing boards, pushing back the house tiles, and then checking all the rafter ends for any signs of rot. Any rotten ends should be pasted with rot treatment. However, if the rot is extensive, we advise cutting back the rafters and scarf in new, treated timber.
Then, with the tiles pushed back, we insert plastic eave protectors under the existing felt, (when the roof has the old bitumen felt, this simple and cheap product is an absolute must). This hard, waterproof plastic catches any water falling through rotten felt, ensuring it runs out to the front and into the guttering to be directed away from the property structure.
Next, we fit new fascia boards, preferably PVC, with a minimum thickness of 18mm, and finally fit new guttering. Other, additional options could be considered. For example, improving ventilation either via discs into the soffits, or over fascia vents. This is to ensure the roof rafters have adequate ventilation.
For Fascia Services In Llanelli, Choose Classic PVC
If you have any questions regarding fascias in Llanelli or across South Wales, simply reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable team today. Our PVC fascias are available in several colours as well as with some moulding detail such as ogee. The same applies to our guttering, with options of round, square, and ogee designs. To find out more about our roofline services, simply contact us today.