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What’s the Best Material for Fascia Boards?

22 July 2024
Exterior of house, showing fascia boardsExterior of house, showing fascia boards

When it comes to home improvements, fascia boards may not be at the top of your list of priorities. You see your front door and windows every day, so naturally you want them to look good when coming home or welcoming guests. 


But it’s easy to miss fascia boards – the edging that sits below your roof and attaches to your guttering. Looking after them is important though. Your fascia boards can protect your roof from costly damage and prevent unhealthy damp and mould forming in your home. 


Fascia boards can be made from timber, uPVC or metal (aluminium). There is no right or wrong one to choose: the best fascia board material is the best one for you. It comes down to your budget, the style of your home, personal taste, and how much time you have for upkeep.

Why Does the Material of Fascia Boards Matter? 

Fascias are designed to keep our homes warm, dry and looking smart – so choosing the right material is essential. Modern products are engineered to be durable but some materials require more maintenance than others. And, let’s face it, climbing a ladder to clean, inspect and repair them isn’t easy. Old timber fascias may have already started rotting and become damaged by insects before you notice it, whereas man-made materials like uPVC last for years with little minimal maintenance. 

 

Common Materials for Fascia Boards  

You can normally choose from timber, aluminium or uPVC fascia boards – each of which have different properties in terms of appearance and durability. Here is a quick overview of each.

Timber 

Timber gives you home a traditional feel, and woods such as cedar and pine are naturally durable. You can keep your timber fascias looking fresh with a new coat of paint or wood stain although maintenance is time consuming, and you may need to pay a professional if you don’t want to work at height. 


Compared to other materials, timber fascias are more prone to rot and warping, and can be damaged by insects. Even tiny holes expose the interior of your home to the elements – you may not realise that the unexplained damp in other parts of your home has been caused by them.


Timber fascias can be an eco-friendly option as long as the wood is sourced sustainably, while old boards can normally be taken to your local household recycling centre, or recycled by your installer. 


Aluminium 


Cool and contemporary, aluminium gives your home a sleek look especially if paired with crisp white render on your walls. But it doesn’t just look good, it’s practical too. 


Compared to timber, aluminium is less likely to deteriorate over time, or be damaged by insects and weather. It also tends to be more budget-friendly and requires almost no maintenance apart from the occasional wash. Cleaning uPVC is easy. Mix a solution of household detergent and warm water and then scrub away any dirt and debris with a soft-bristled brush. If you use a pressure washer, ensure it’s kept on a low setting while you clean. 


You can buy fascias made from recycled aluminium, and recycle your used ones too. Your installer will normally take them away for you, or you can take them to a household recycling centre. 

uPVC

Like aluminium, uPVC is durable and low maintenance. A gentle scrub with warm water and detergent, or a pressure washer on a low setting, is all you need to keep your fascias looking pristine. 


The cost of both uPVC materials and installation tends to be lower compared to either timber or aluminium but you can still achieve a high-end finish. In fact, with a choice of colours available, you could go for a shade of oak with wood grain for a classic look, or grey, black or rosewood boards for a contemporary feel. 


Modern uPVC boards are becoming more sustainable all the time too. At Eurocell, we operate a closed loop recycling system meaning that we’ll recycle uPVC (also called PVCU) collected by our installers and fabricators. This is turned into new fascias, as well as windows and doors, and the good thing is that it remains just as tough after going through the recycling process.

Timber vs uPVC Fascia Boards 

Both timber and uPVC fascias can last for at least 20 years – which means you may only need to replace them once in the time you’re living at a property.  


Our own products are guaranteed against warping, discolouration and cracking so you can be confident that they’ll look good and perform well over the years. Timber, on the other hand, might need an annual coat of wood preserver to keep it in good condition and prolong its lifespan. 


You might think timber is better-suited to older properties but a modern oak uPVC can look as good, with the added benefit of being more durable and lower cost. The only exception might be if your property is in a conservation area and/or is listed. 

 

Best Fascia Board Material 

As mentioned at the start, it all comes down to personal preference, your budget, and the style of your home. In terms of durability and maintenance, aluminium and uPVC win out over timber – and uPVC usually fares better than aluminium when it comes to cost and colour choices. 


Find out more about Eurocell’s range of fascia boards.

 

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