5 Signs it's Time to Replace Your Fascias, Soffits & Gutters
We recently had our fascias, soffits and gutters replaced. The old ones were in such disrepair that there was simply no saving them. Not only were they made from rotting wood, but they were also capped over with cheap plastic. Essentially, they looked terrible.
They also flapped and banged in the wind. They really were terrible, both to look at and at their job. People don't really know this, but fascia boards, soffits and gutters are paramount to the integrity of the roof line and your driveway. It can even be critical when preventing subsidence, believe it or not.
So while it might not seem like a job that's worth your while, trust me, it is. It's more than just curb appeal. With that in mind, here are five signs that it's time to replace your fascias, soffits and gutters, from someone in the know, haha.
1. They constantly need repainting
If you find yourself constantly repainting your wooden fascias, soffits and barge boards, then it's probably time to replace them for something plastic and composite. That's what we did. We also cut out the middle man and went for dry verge.
This means that we won't have to worry repointing our roof line. It also looks nicer and stops creepy crawlies from getting into gaps and cracks in the cement. Save yourself time and money by investing in some new fascias, soffits, barge boards and gutters.
2. Some have come loose
This is more the case with barge boards and fascia boards. The pins in our old ones would just work their way out of the rotting wood underneath, causing the boards on top to flap and bang, even with the slightest breeze.
By having them professionally replaced, the fascias and barge boards will be nailed back to your roof line, without the risk of them working their way loose and either banging or falling off altogether. In fact, one of the main reasons as to why we went for a complete professional replacement is because our box end dropped off.
That was the crunch point, really. If you find yourself having the same problems, then you should definitely think more seriously about having your fascias, soffits and gutters replaced, along with your barge boards, if you have any.
3. Your gutters are cracked or leak
Damaged gutters are no good to anyone. In fact, they can actually do far more harm than good. A problem that you might think is small could cause you considerable issues if left as is, including subsidence and even the breaking up of your driveway, patios or garden paths.
Excess water, which is what a broken gutter will enable, could even cause patio slabs to come loose. To protect the rest of your outdoor space, you should think more carefully about having your gutters replaced, at the very least.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you might get away with replacing just one run, and not the entire thing. Ask a professional for a quote, they might be able to advise you on the best solution for your gutter problem.
4. You have insects or birds nesting in them
One thing that the professionals found when they were replacing our fascias, soffits and gutters was about three birds nests. Luckily, there weren't any insect habitats they could find, just small birds nests. It wasn't something I wanted to have in the future. Our old fascias and soffits were really badly done.
We think that the previous owners did it themselves, without a shred of knowledge or experience. That, together with the presence of the old rotten boards, created the perfect conditions for birds to work their way into our fascia boards and box ends to make a home for themselves. By having them redone professionally, we no longer had to worry about anything building a habitat in there.
5. They've been capped over
If, like ours, your old wooden fascias and soffits have been capped over, then its a good idea to have the entire thing replaced properly. While it might be cheaper and look better than your current wooden ones, it's never recommended to cover them. It's more than just about curb appeal.
It's imperative to protecting your roof line. This prevents damp, mould and leaks in your loft, for instance. Do the right thing and get the job done properly, from scratch. If your existing fascias and soffits have been capped over, you should definitely consider having them replaced entirely.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that you found it somewhat useful? Let me know in the comments below how you knew it was time to get new fascias, soffits and gutters and I will see you soon with some brand new content for you!
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