Homeowners are spending more than 40% of their income on costs such as rent, mortgage payments and other living costs associated with their home, according to a recent study.

The survey, conducted by the Housing Charity Shelter, found that Britons are feeling the burden of their mortgage, food bills and petrol. However, this research reveals that many people should be investing some of this money in the exterior look and appearance of the home.

Fascias and soffits are an essential part of the home that should be added into your home expenditure; as they can cause many problems if they are left untreated.

Here is a Q&A that will give you an idea on what fascias and soffits are and how they can improve your home.

What is a fascia?
A fascia is the horizontal surface across the top of an exterior wall. This fascia board will ensure that your rain gutter stays in place and will cap the end of the rafters on the outside of the building.

Whilst protecting your home from the elements, they also help to improve your home’s exterior appearance.

The best materials to use for this are uPVC as it will not rot or become discoloured in the same way as wood. Wood is unsuitable for replacing fascias in this way as it absorbs water and will begin to crack over long periods of time.

What is a soffit?
A soffit is the surface fitted below the fascia which also includes the underneath part of an arch.

The soffit also supports the fascia and can often be the exposed underside of a roof eave.

When to replace them?
• Look out for any leaking guttering and check any wood for signs of rotting.
• Check all of your walls for damp and especially look in the corners of adjoining rooms. Damp is more likely to appear on the exterior walls nearest to any windows and doors.
• Make sure that your soffits aren’t beginning to sag as they may cause leaks in your home.

What are the benefits of replacing them?
• Rotting wood can attract maggots or woodworm so it is best to treat the wood early before this problem arises.
• uPVC is a really durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions and will save you from re-painting and fixing peeling woodwork.
• If you are ever thinking of selling your home, this investment will add value and will reassure buyers that your home is well maintained.

There are many products that can help to prevent any leaks, whilst improving the look and appearance of your home.

Fascias and soffits are available at reasonable prices and they are BBA AND BSI approved.

Depending on how much wear and tear your fascias and soffits have endured, you may want to consider renewing the entire roofline, or alternatively, providing a fascia lift to a small area.

There’s also a range of colours such as white, rosewood, light oak and black and many different sizes that will be guaranteed to suit the overall exterior look of your home.

The white Ogee Replacement fascia board is great for replacing timber and will add a decorative touch to your roof. They are sturdy enough to fasten onto the roof joists and will hold the gutter bracket screws tightly. This product is BBA and BSI approved and offers a 15 year guarantee.

The Rosewood coloured Soffit board is used to support the fascia board and closes the gap between the brick and the board. This product is also available in many sizes to suit your home needs and has a 10 year guarantee.

Bio: This article was written by Fascia Expert; specialists of uPVC rooflines including Fascias, Soffits, Gutters, Cladding and Ventilation.

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