Fascia boards play an important role in your home as they are responsible for both holding up the gutters and supporting the bottom row of roof tiles. As a homeowner, you should ensure your fascia boards stay in good condition and familiarise yourself with the signs that they are ready to be replaced.
Here are some of the signs to look out for that can help to determine when to replace your fascia boards.
1. When you notice soft patches in the wood of the fascia boards
Soft patches in the wood of your fascia boards usually mean rot or holes are forming underneath the surface and weakening the structure. If the wood is rotting, the damage usually cannot be repaired and the boards will need to be replaced.
2. There is cracked or flaking paint
While paint seems like it would be a purely cosmetic issue, cracked or flaking paint is a general sign of age and usually an indication that it is time to replace your fascia boards. If you are not sure whether the issue is cosmetic or due to age or moisture in the fascia boards, it is best to contact a professional to inspect them.
3. There is evidence of animals living in the roof
If you notice any signs of animals such as droppings, chew marks or evidence of nests, then you most likely have a pest problem. Mice, rats and squirrels can easily enter the roof through the smallest of openings and make a home for themselves, which is a problem in itself, but it can also be a sign your roofline is deteriorating. In this case, you should look to replace your fascia boards.
4. There is water in the roof void
If there is water in the roof void, then this suggests something is leaking and the source of the leak may be the soffit or the fascia, so it is best to inspect them. Water and moisture in the roof void can lead to mould growth or rot, neither of which are pleasant, but the latter can result in serious structural damage.
5. You notice a lack of ventilation
A lack of ventilation into your roof can lead to air becoming trapped, forming condensation which could lead to long-term moisture problems. One reason for this could be that the fascia vents are blocked or damaged or your fascia may not have any vents at all. If this is the case, it could be time to replace your fascia boards with ones that have better ventilation.
6. You have recently had exterior work done to the house or you just fancy a change
As well as the practical reasons why you need to replace your fascia boards, you may also want to change them for aesthetic reasons. If you have recently had renovation work done to the exterior of the house, such as external wall insulation, then your old fascia boards may no longer match and you may want to consider replacing them.
Knowing when to replace fascia boards is key to ensuring the long-term health of your roof and home. The signs listed above are all good indications that there may be a problem with the existing fascia, but if you are at all unsure, it is best to arrange to have a professional inspect them for you and advise the best course of action.
Here at Therm-Eco, we offer a range of services for your home. Whether it adds the finishing touches to your new insulation system, or if you simply need new plastics, we supply and fit the highest quality fascias, soffits and guttering to suit your needs.