Rotting Fascias and Soffits: Causes and How to Repair or Replace

Fascias and soffits play an important role in protecting your home – they act as a barrier to stop moisture or rain from damaging your interior walls, and offer a sturdy base to attach your guttering. Aesthetically, they hide the exposed edge on your roof for a neat finish. But if you don’t opt for a durable material or they’re not fitted correctly, they can become rotten or mouldy over time.

Key takeaways

• Moisture is the main culprit of rot, often caused by clogged gutters, poor roof design or untreated timber
• Look for signs like peeling paint, mould, softness, or cracks in fascia boards
• Prevent issues with regular inspections, proper installation and treating or replacing wood
• Consider switching to UPVC fascias and soffits which are rot-resistant, low maintenance and last 20–30 years

What we’ll cover

• Why do fascias and soffits rot?
• How to stop fascia boards from rotting
• Can you repair rotted boards?
• Replacing rotted boards
• When should you replace wooden fascias with UPVC?

Why do fascias and soffits rot? 

Rotting happens when fascias and soffits are exposed to moisture, like rainwater over the years. If you don’t have a rot-resistant material, like UPVC, the risk increases. 

Gutters: Gutters are designed to direct water away from your home, but when they become clogged with leaves or debris, they can leak onto your fascias and soffits. This exposes them to excess moisture.

Poorly designed roof: If water pools on your roof or can’t be channelled away, it can cause leaks as well as damage your fascias.   

Timber: Fascias and soffits are typically made of wood. And while it is a natural-looking material, it absorbs moisture, which can lead to decay and wet or dry rot, especially in the damp British climate. Without treatment, like painting or staining, the risk increases further.

Improper installation: If fascias and soffits haven’t been installed correctly (they may feel loose or have gaps), they’re likely to rot faster. 

Ventilation: If a soffit doesn’t have enough vents or they’re blocked during installation, moisture can’t escape, which can lead to rot. Eurocell’s Airspace Eurosoffit is designed with ventilation slots to prevent this. 

Pests: Animals like birds can make holes/cracks in your soffits or fascias, particularly if it's manufactured from timber, which can lead to water ingress, and in turn rot and mould. 

Signs of wood rot on fascia boards include:

• Soft to touch
• Crumbles 
• Physical damage such as water marks or cracks 
• Peeling paint  
• Mould/damp in your attic or loft 

Note: A fascia is a board that runs along your roofline, while a soffit sits underneath it.

How to stop fascia boards from rotting? 

Eurocell’s UPVC fascia and soffit board in shade oak. 

To prevent your fascia boards from rotting, make sure they’re properly installed and maintained. If you notice any signs of rotting, take action straight away to stop the problem from getting worse. 

1. Inspect your soffits and fascias a few times a year, keeping an eye out for damage 
2. Inspect gutters too, removing any leaves/debris to prevent blockages or leaks
3. Hire a professional tradesperson to install them correctly and follow the manufacturer's guidelines
4. If you have wooden fascias/soffits, paint or treat them every few years (or more, depending on their state) 

Material choice plays a big role – UPVC doesn’t absorb moisture like timber, so it’s rot resistant as water can’t penetrate it. It’s also low maintenance, so it doesn’t need any treatments – just cleaning a couple of times a year with household products. 

“High-quality fascias and soffits add kerb appeal to your property, but old, damaged ones can look unsightly and set you up for future problems if they’re not protecting your roof space. When replacing these roofline components, we’d recommend getting a professional in as this type of work often includes working at height.”

- Helen​​​​ Godsiff, Marketing Manager at Eurocell 

Can you repair rotted boards?

It’s possible to repair a rotten section of your fascia without replacing the entire board. For example, if only a small section is damaged, a professional may be able to cut out just the affected section, leaving the rest of the fascia untouched. 

Replacing rotted boards 

If your fascia/soffit is showing signs of age, such as cracking and bowing, it’s best to replace it entirely as it could give out. Eurocell’s fascias and soffits are made from UPVC, so they’re not prone to rotting in the same way as timber, and they’re long-lasting, easy to clean and lightweight. With the help of a professional tradesperson, you can get the job done quickly and safely.

Replacement costs 

Eurocell’s fascia boards are priced between £32.62 to £171.49*, depending on the size, length and colour – you can opt for multiple lengths and shades to complement your home. Soffits are priced between £13.86 to £98.09 for an Airspace Eurosoffit, designed with ventilation slots.

When to replace fascias 

Timber fascias/soffits last around 10 years (longer if treated), while UPVC has a lifespan of around 20-30 years. With the right product, installation and maintenance, you won’t have to replace them for decades.

Eurocell’s fascias and soffits are designed to withstand cracking, warping and discolouration, ensuring protection for years to come – they even have up to 20 years’ guarantee. 

Hardwearing 

UPVC is durable and can withstand the highs and lows of British weather – whether that’s torrential rain or freezing ice, UPVC stands up to the job. 

Low maintenance

If you opt for UPVC for your new fascias and soffits, expect minimal upkeep. Say goodbye to painting and treating old timber boards, as UPVC doesn’t need extra treatments and it’s easy to clean with soap and water.

Customisable and affordable

UPVC fascias and soffits at Eurocell come in a range of colours and lengths to suit any budget, style and exterior. Choose from shades of beige, black, brown, cream, grey or green. 

Regularly inspecting fascias and soffits can help you spot signs of damage as they appear, meaning you can take action to protect your home. Depending on your budget, preference and style, there are lots of options to improve the appearance and functionality of your home for years to come. 

*All prices for Eurocell products are correct on the date of publishing. Please check the individual product pages for exact prices at the time of reading as these might be subject to change.