Spot the Signs: Do Your Fascias, Soffits or Guttering Need Replacement

Fascias, soffits, and guttering form your home’s first line of defence against the elements and as such should be kept in tip top condition. But what are the signs that something may be wrong? And when should you consider replacing any section of your roofline? This blog aims to answer these questions.

What’s the Difference Between Fascias, Soffits and Guttering

Knowing the difference between your fascia, soffit and gutter will help when it comes to identifying any issues.

Fascias

The fascia board is mounted at the point where the roof meets the outer wall and runs along the lower edge of the roof. It is fixed directly to the lower ends of the roof trusses and supports the bottom row of roof tiles. The fascia also carries all the guttering.

Soffits

The soffit is tucked away under the fascia and is the board that you will see the most of from street level. The soffit must be ventilated – either within the soffit board itself or over the top of the board. Without adequate ventilation, condensation will form in the roof area, increasing the risk of timber decay.

Guttering

Guttering is what catches excess water which falls from your roof. It then channels this water through downpipes and away from your home, protecting its walls and foundations from moisture damage.

What can go Wrong if you Don’t Replace Your Fascias, Soffits and Guttering

Combined, the fascia, soffit, and gutter provide an essential function, protecting your home from pests, debris, and the elements. If any part of your roofline stops working effectively you run the risk of causing damage to the structure of your home. Leaks, increased internal humidity, and damaged walls are all incidents that can happen when your roofline begins to decay.

Signs Your Fascias, Soffits or Guttering Need Replacing

So how do you know when your fascia, soffit or guttering need replacing? Here are a few signs you should look out for:

Cracks

If you spot a crack in your fascia or soffit you should investigate it immediately. Not only can cracks lead to water, debris, and pests getting into your home, but these components of your roofline also support the guttering. If they become unstable, your guttering could become insecure.

Leaks

Leaks are a key sign that your fascia, soffit or guttering needs replacing. Walk around your home during or after rain and you should be able to easily spot any leaks. Water pooling on the floor, water marks on your walls, or loud dripping noises are all signs of a leak in your roofline – most probably the guttering. If left, these leaks can cause serious damage to your home, so replacing the problem section as soon as possible is advisable.

Sagging

Over time, your guttering can gather more than just water. Dirt and debris can accumulate which, if left, can become heavy, weighing down your guttering and causing it to sag and eventually snap. By regularly inspecting your guttering, you will be able to notice any sagging and replace the damaged section of guttering before any serious damage is caused.

Increase in humidity

If you experience an increase in humidity inside your home, particularly in the roof area, it may be a sign of a blockage in your soffit. As mentioned above, soffits should have some form of ventilation to allow fresh air to circulate freely within the roof cavity. If the ventilation becomes blocked it prevents air from entering your home, allowing moisture to build and humidity to increase. You may be able to resolve this by clearing away any blockages. However, if more permanent damage has been caused, a new soffit may be your only option.

Flaking paint

Whilst flaking paint on your roofline may seem like a minor issue, it could indicate that your roofline is no longer waterproof. Tackling this early and removing and replacing the paint can help to resolve this issue. If left, it could cause water damage to the roofline below, which can only be resolved by replacing the damaged sections.

Holes

Holes within any section of your roofline – fascia, soffit or guttering – can cause many issues. Holes in your guttering mean water will not be directed away from you home and can cause water damage to walls and foundations. A hole in the fascia could affect its ability to support roof tiles and guttering. Whilst a hole in the soffit can let pests, dirt and water into the roof area of your home. Regularly inspecting your roofline will help you identify any issues quickly, allowing you to resolve or replace the damaged section.

Fascias, Soffits and Guttering at National Plastics

If you think you need to replace your fascia, soffit, or guttering but would like further advice, call our expert friendly team today on 0800 22 77 77.