Fascias, soffits and guttering

Fascias hold the gutters and close the roof at the eaves. When they rot the gutters sag, the water goes behind, and the rafter ends start to go. Capping over the rot hides it; it does not stop it.

We take the old timber off, not cover it. The rafter feet are then visible and any soft ends can be cut back and spliced before the new boards go on. The fascia is full-thickness uPVC board, not a capping, fixed with stainless pins; the soffit is ventilated so the loft can breathe, which matters more than ever with modern insulation.

Guttering is sized to the roof area and the rainfall here, which is heavier than the standard tables assume, with enough outlets that it does not overflow at the corners. White, black, anthracite and rosewood are stock colours. We lift the bottom course of slates to fit an eaves tray over the new fascia, so the water from the felt goes into the gutter rather than behind it.

What is included

• Old timber removed, rafter ends inspected and spliced
• Full-thickness uPVC fascia and ventilated soffit
• Eaves trays under the bottom course
• Guttering and downpipes sized for the roof
• Four stock colours, others to order
• Ten-year guarantee on materials and fitting

What it costs

Full replacement from £1,400 for a three-bedroom semi, £1,900 for a detached house, including removal of the old timber, uPVC fascia and soffit, new guttering and downpipes. All prices include scaffold or access, waste removal and VAT. See the full price list.