Cladding over Old Fascias

 Let me lay my cards out on the table right now, from a money point of view I would prefer to fit full replacement because it takes longer and I earn more money from you, the customer. But if the condition of your roof is agreeable to either system I wouldn’t care whether you choose to install capping fascia, or decide to fit full replacement fascias. And I’m not quoting for your job anyway, so I have no vested interest.

I have been in the roofing industry over 30 years and have seen some horrendous messes and fixed them. In this article I will tell you the truth about fascias and the fascia fitting industry, sales tactics and the misleading information peddled by the naive or dishonest salesman, the misinformed roofers, builders and fascia fitters.

Fitting Fascias and Sofits

Before we talk more about common peddled myths regarding capping fascias versus full replacement, have a think about why you want new fascias, the normal answer is “so I don’t have to paint it again” and rarely do I hear “because nothing but full replacement of fascias and soffits is good enough for me”. When I do hear that sort of thing mentioned it normally means a fascia salesman has visited before me, and effectively conditioned the mind of the customer with a sales pitch that will mean they will automatically lean towards the much more profitable full replacement, (my work done for me already)

• Capping fascias – If you do simply want to never paint your fascias and soffits again then over capping, or over boarding as it’s sometimes known is very viable and will be a excellent option that will yield decades of trouble free service if installed properly, providing that all the correct trims are used and it’s fitted professionally. However your wooden fascias should be inspected for rot first or infestation by the person who provides the quote, from a set of ladders to every elevation, no excuses. Small areas of rot can be replaced with matching timber, treated, then capped over without any problem if required.

• Full replacement fascias – The absolute best solution when any sort of infestation or large areas of rot are found, and this includes the very top edge of fascia boards if a roof problem such as inadequate roof pitch and a lack of tile or slate cover into the gutter has caused extensive wood rot in that area. Full replacement however does have knock on effects into roof structure strength and roof detailing like verges, gables, hip ridges and roof tile support which we will talk about later. Correct installation technique is vital for long term roof strength.

Why Does it have a Bad Rep 

Because of the lack of skillfull installers pure and simple.

Unfortunately the fascia industry as a whole has lent itself to unskilled and unthoughtful individuals who don’t give a damn about quality, have never constructed any traditional wooden fascia and soffit structures, and do not understand or care about structural strength associated with it.

If they make it look good from the floor they will get paid and so will their bosses, pure and simple. This is very true of full replacement as well as capping fascias where the apparent ease of ‘nailing up some cladding‘ and pumping gaps full of silicone attracts morons who cap over rot and ignore dedicated trims and adequate fixings.

Why Choose us?

We offer over 30 years of experience, Offer competitive quotes and use the best quality

You will gain Trust and honesty with ourselves and not overcharged for a product that is not needed.