What fascias and soffits do
Fascias are the boards along the edge of the roof. They carry your gutters and keep weather out of the roof space.
Soffits are the boards underneath them. They protect the rafters and let air move through the roof space, which stops moisture building up.
When either one fails, water gets in. Damp and repairs to timbers, walls and ceilings can follow.
The warning signs
Book a check if you see any of these:
- Flaking paint, soft spots or rot on wooden fascias and bargeboards.
- Gutters that leak, sag, overflow or pull away from the wall.
- Damp patches or water stains on the outside walls below the gutters.
- Mould or staining on the soffits under the eaves.
- Birds, wasps or insects getting into the roof space.
- Gaps between the boards, or boards that have warped or split.
How to check safely from the ground
You do not need a ladder. Walk round the house on a dry day and look along each roof edge. A pair of binoculars helps.
Then look again during or just after heavy rain. Watch for water spilling over the gutter or running down the wall. Check the wall below each joint and downpipe for stains.
Do not climb up to poke or scrape the boards. Working at height is risky, and older boards can hide another hazard (see below).
A warning about asbestos
Some older soffit boards and roofline materials contain asbestos. It is harmless while left alone, but dangerous if it is drilled, cut or broken.
If your home was built or altered before 2000 and you are not sure what your soffits are made of, do not disturb them. The Health and Safety Executive has advice on asbestos in the home. Ask your installer how they will check and deal with it.
Repair or replace?
A small leak, a loose gutter joint or one soft patch can often be repaired. If rot runs along the boards, gutters keep leaking after repairs, or paint flakes again soon after a fresh coat, replacement is usually the better long-term fix.
New uPVC roofline does not rot or need painting. An occasional wash keeps it clean.
| Timber | uPVC | |
|---|---|---|
| Painting | Needs regular painting | No painting |
| Rot | Can rot once water gets in | Does not rot |
| Upkeep | Sanding, filling and painting | An occasional wash |
| Pests | Gaps can open as the wood warps | Holds its shape |
Sources
General facts on this page come from these official sources. Rules can change, so check the latest version before you rely on them.