An often-ignored feature of every house, are not only essential and, but also provide you with some nice design options to improve the exterior look and feel of your house.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know, how to get the most from your investment and why this shouldn’t be overlooked when upgrading your double glazing.
are added to the (where the meets the ) of pretty much every house.
Lengths of boards are fixed (with nails) directly to the to support the last row of tiles and underpin the , whilst the soffits go underneath, filling the gap between and .
Whilst they have an important role in protecting your house from heat, and even animals, they can also be surprisingly varied in style and colour, allowing the style-conscious homeowner opportunities to add to, or alter, the look of their home.
Predominantly provided in , plastic or composite, this vital addition speaks volumes and deserves the full attention of any discerning home-owner.
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What are fascias?
Fascias, or boards, create a finished look to your home.
Fixed directly to the , they underpin the and support the final row of tiles.
The provides essential for protection from the elements as without them, interior walls will take the full force of heat and .
These underrated features, provided by your double glazing installer, not only offer great aesthetic benefits to your home but more importantly, they are there for structural reasons.
Weather-damaged interior walls can be an expensive issue so, whatever type of you decide upon, feel safe in the knowledge that this humble feature has earned its money.
types and styles
boards can be manufactured in , plastic or composite material. boards are primed and painted for durability and the most cost effective to purchase.
However, you need to bear in mind that these will need replacing periodically.
How often, will depend on local climate.
By contrast, plastic fascias are long-lasting and extremely easy to clean. A regular wipe with a damp cloth and it returns to new.
Many window cleaners offer this extended service these days so, for those who choose plastic , it’s virtually maintenance free!
Composite material is a combination of products and recycled plastics combined with epoxy resin.
This material is resistant to decay but will come at a much higher price.
The standard, classic style is known as Square and most commonly used.
Ogee is a decorative, elegant choice which can create a smart traditional look with is ‘stepped’ design.
Equally, when paired with a contemporary style building, Ogee can compliment those sleek lines.
Bull-nosed has a smooth, curved edge to it.
The softer effect may be considered complimentary to a curved . The ease of cleaning this style is of added benefit too.
What are soffits?
Whilst the boards fit lengthways along the , soffits fill the space between the and outside wall.
Indeed, the word ‘‘ means ‘something fixed underneath’.
Soffits can be used on porches and other areas of the home.
In fact, anywhere that has an overhanging, neatly covering the surface area to ensure insulation and prevent .
When used on roofs and alongside , soffits help by completing the look and can also provide a crucial purpose where of the is needed.
-fitting generally goes hand in hand with -fitting as together, they ensure that perfect seal between the building and the external elements.
Additionally, they ensure a clean, finished look to your home.
Types of Soffits
Whilst soffits can also come in a variety of materials, are by far superior in terms of durability and design.
The three main design choices will be either Hollow, Flat (solid) or Vented.
The Hollow is lightweight and when fitted, has the appearance of tongue and groove.
Flat or Solid , as its name suggests, is smooth, offering fuss-free clean lines.
Often referred to as ‘general purpose ‘ in the trade, this is the most commonly used as it is easy to install.
Vented allows airflow to the house whilst limiting the amount of .
Omitting around the top of our homes can cause expensive problems later on.
Installing with built-in vents is highly recommended.
That said, if the is already providing enough to meet with Building Regulations, it may not be necessary.
Benefits of and Soffits
Adding or replacing and soffits to the outside of your home means you are greatly reducing any problems inside.
With the strength and durability of composite or and soffits, the benefits of longevity far outweigh the financial outlay.
Gone are the days of risky ladder climbing and laborious painting jobs.
With today’s durable, lightweight materials, installing or replacing and is straightforward whilst maintenance is kept to a minimum.
Professional installation means you can be sure of a good, secure fit ensuring no gaps are left and so safely protecting the over your head from the elements and unwelcome wildlife!
More and more, home-owners are looking for innovative ideas to match functionality with aesthetics.
and , like other UPVC products can be manufactured in different colours, allowing you to be the designer of your own home.
Whilst white still remains the most popular colour choice, many people now opt for grey and brown tones, especially if they are wanting to match windows and doors.
An added advantage of darker colours is their ability to hide marks.
How difficult is it to have and soffits fitted?
When choosing installers for your and soffits, you will want to be assured that their skilled workers also adhere to the BBA standards.
This certification indicates a high quality product and reputable company. Ask your chosen double glazing/UPVC installer for details.
Along with this, most companies will include extra costs for scaffolding requirements and a trained team of fitters should be able to carry out work with minimal disruption whilst removing any old products.
Enquire about all the and products including, material, shape and colour.
Talk your options through with your professional fitter who will be able to advise you on the best options and style choices for your build.
Final Thought – Fascias & Soffits
Our homes are doubtlessly our most expensive possession.
Keeping our maintenance costs low and ensuring any new additions are going to last, has never been more important.
Furthermore, we naturally spend a lot of effort and money on our homes’ interiors; aesthetics are everything aren’t they?
Whether you own a mansion or a maisonette, the exterior of the home also requires careful consideration.
Prudently pondering the ‘kerb appeal’ of your property must remain a key factor.
Thanks for reading!
Hopefully this has answered your questions about fascias and soffits and given you the right questions to ask your local installer to ensure you’re getting the best deal and the right quality.
If you’re looking to upgrade other areas of your house, check out our guide to the different types of windows and which styles of glass you might want to discover…
Hi, Matt here! I started out almost 20 years ago as a teenager working in the family business fitting doors, windows and conservatories. I now run this website to share the best tips and advice for anyone looking to get a good deal on double glazing.
