Fascias and soffits keep your roofline looking smart while protecting your home from moisture-related damage and insects or wildlife. The boards seal your roof to enhance the lifespan of your roof tiles, gutter and rafters, and block any gaps to stop pests from sneaking in. This guide explains the difference between soffit and fascias, and why they’re a worthwhile investment.
What we'll cover
What are Fascias and Soffits?
Fascias and soffits are essential to ensuring the longevity of your roof and preventing long-term problems like mould, damp or pests in the roof cavity.
Fascias
Fascias, or fascia boards, are fitted vertically to the bottom edge of your roof which is called the roofline. The boards are around 5m in length and run across the whole length of the roofline, offering a solid base to attach guttering and hold the bottom of your roof tiles in place.
Fascias also protect your rafter ends from absorbing moisture from the rain, snow or ice, which could cause damp or rot if they were left exposed. Fascias are available in a range of materials and colours to complement your architecture and add character to your home.
Timber fascias look natural but they are prone to warping and rotting especially if not treated. They will also need regular maintainence such as staining, sealing and painting.
On the other hand, uPVC fascia boards don’t tend to crack or warp, and they don’t need sanding or painting for maintenance either. It’s a popular material because of its strength and durability. It can replace existing fascia boards or be used in a new build. Eurocell’s fascias can also be used as a bargeboard, where panels are fixed to the roof gables to create a classic V shape.
Soffits
Fitted horizontally underneath the fascia board and between the exterior wall, soffits seal the eaves of your roof.
Not only do soffits hide any imperfections, they are essential for keeping insects or vermin out of your roof or attic. However, you need good ventilation to reduce the risk of condensation mould or rot. Vented soffits usually have small gaps to allow air to circulate and stop water from entering.
The reason uPVC is used for soffits is because it’s lightweight and highly weather resistant. Soffits come in a range of colours to suit your home and to match your fascia boards.
Why install Fascias and Soffits?
Strengthen your roof: Soffits and fascias protect your roof against moisture and weather damage which could cause it to weaken and limit its lifespan.
Durability: The panels are high quality and long lasting which lessens your maintenance and repair.
Preventing mould and rot: Moisture-related challenges can wreak havoc on your home causing structural and water damage, mould and rot which can be challenging and costly to repair. Soffits and fascia reduce the risk of this occurring because they seal your roof and ensure ventilation.
Energy efficiency: Vented soffits help to regulate the temperature because they are designed to let in airflow. This can prevent condensation in your attic or loft which can be caused by activities like exercise or showering, while improving energy efficiency.
Transforming: The pair upgrade the look of your roof and even improve your property’s kerb appeal.
Healthy guttering system: Fascias provide a strong base to fix guttering which is essential to guiding rainwater away from your roof and reducing the risk of leaks.
Preventing pests: Soffits block small birds or mice from settling into your roof space or entering your loft.
The Difference Between Soffits and Fascias
The main difference between soffit and fascia boards is that soffits are placed underneath the roof overhang to stop pests from setting up shop and the boards seal your roof protecting the rafter feet from rotting.
Fascia boards are fixed to the front of your roof to stop water from entering, improve its appearance and provide a base for your guttering. Fascias also stop the rafter feet from absorbing water to prevent rotting and structural damage.
Both can be manufactured from wood or uPVC, but soffits are also designed for ventilation to prevent condensation or mould. Soffits can be used under your porch to make it look visually striking and fascias can be used as a bargeboard.
Both soffits and fascias are essential to building a secure roof that is watertight and looks seamless.
Soffit and Fascia options
uPVC is a popular choice for soffits and fascias, and rightly so. It isn’t susceptible to rotting, warping or insect damage, and it's resistant to cracking with its high strength. It’s also easy to clean and low maintenance. Soffits and fascias can last for over 20 years if manufactured from uPVC, and even come with a 20-year guarantee for added peace of mind.
Fascia options
Fascia boards are available in over 26 colours, including beige, black, brown, cream, green, grey and white to suit your home and match your soffits, capping boards or finishing trims for a seamless finish. Each board is 5m in length with a varied width starting from 150mm, up to 400mm.
Eurocells Euroboard is very strong and can be fitted directly to your rafters. The cost per board starts from £30.91 whereas capping boards are designed to fit over existing wooden fascia board avoiding the need to remove the old timber fascia. Eurocell’s Ogee Fascia Boards are also visually stunning and give a classic elegant look with prices starting from £68.16. Eurocell’s Bullnose Fascia Board and flat fascia boards are also available.
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EB15064 White Smooth Standard Fascia Euroboard - Length 5m x Width 150mmSpecial Price £22.20 £18.50 Was £26.40Was £22.00 -
EB20064 White Smooth Standard Fascia Euroboard - Length 5m x Width 200mmSpecial Price £28.20 £23.50 Was £30.34Was £25.28 -
EB22564 White Smooth Standard Fascia Euroboard - Length 5m x Width 225mmSpecial Price £30.60 £25.50 Was £47.63Was £39.69 -
Soffit options
Soffits also come in a range of colours including grey, black, blue, white, brown, caramel, green, cream and rosewood offering you plenty of choice.
Eurocell’s Hollow Soffit Boards are a lightweight tongue and groove system which is weather resistant and come with venting options too. Soffits cost less than fascias, with prices for hollow boards starting from £13.86.
If you want a simple option and exact colour match with your fascias, Eurocell’s Utility Board might be better suited with its clean look and price beginning at £14.71. Vented boards are the top end because they have built in ventilation slots to circulate air through the roof space reducing the risk of damp and rot. Prices start from £23.15.
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UB20064 White Smooth Utility Board - Length 5m x Width 200mmSpecial Price £16.34 £13.62 Was £17.47Was £14.56 -
Are uPVC Soffits and Fascias better than wood?
Soffits and fascias can be manufactured from timber looking both traditional and natural. The panels are easily painted or stained to suit your architecture and if maintained well, can last for around 10 years.
The downside is that the panels need to be treated and stained over the years to maintain their appearance and prevent splitting and rotting. Because timber absorbs water, panels are more susceptible to moisture damage and need to be replaced right away to prevent more challenges. Timber is also at higher risk of insect damage.
uPVC is becoming an increasingly popular option for soffits and fascias because it’s incredibly low maintenance. It doesn’t require painting, sanding or treating and it can simply be cleaned with water and soap. It’s also resistant to rotting, insects and corrosion because it doesn’t soak up water making it the more durable option.
It is the more cost-effective option too because you won’t have to fork out for costly products to maintain it or replace and repair it as often. You get a 20-year guarantee and there are different colours and styles to suit your exterior. Each board is consistent in size and colour, and is lightweight and easy to cut. uPVC can also be recycled.
Are Fascias and Soffits easy to install?
Fascias and soffits are very easy to install because they are lightweight, easy to handle and uniform in size and style.
The panels can be fitted to the rafters without the need for a timber substrate and secured using stainless steel fixing nails. uPVC is easy to cut with a handsaw or jigsaw to get an accurate fitting and doesn’t produce a lot of debris when trimming making it the more mess-free option.
Remember that when installing fascias and soffits, you are working at height so need to use a ladder or platform safely. Opt for a professional tradesperson to handle the job unless you’re experienced. No specialist tools are needed, just remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions closely to avoid voiding your warranty.
Are Fascias and Soffits a Worthwhile Investment?
Anything that protects your home from issues like damp, structural damage, rotting and mould is a worthwhile investment. Soffits and fascias are a small price to pay for a long-lasting roof, as well as reducing the hassle and costs associated with maintenance.
Modern uPVC soffits and fascias are high quality and durable with minimal maintenance requirements. They prevent pests and improve your property’s kerb appeal. They’re also great for energy efficiency, keeping bills down and helping your home to be more sustainable.
Explore Eurocell’s range of soffits and fascias to strengthen and upgrade your roof.