Most people will only consider a soffit and fascia replacement when they can see damage or wear and tear. But there are other factors to consider: The age of the soffit and fascia panels – The longer they've been installed at the property, the more likely it is that they will need replacing.
The life expectancy of a soffit varies depending on the material and environmental factors. A well-maintained soffit can last 20 to 30 years. Regular inspections, cleaning, and timely repairs can help prolong its lifespan.
When should you replace soffits and fascia? Once the paint on your fascia begins to peel, it creates an opening for water. Since most fascia is made of wood, this can also lead to wood rot that can spread into your rafters and trusses. Cracks and flaking paint also compromise the aesthetic look of your home.
You should clean your soffits and fascias once a year to maintain them. However, in bad weather, especially on older houses, your guttering, soffit boards and fascias may need repairing or replacing, even if you work hard to keep them clean.
You can replace soffit without removing fascia since they are not attached to each other. However, removing the fascia gives you better access to remove the soffit. Also, soffit and fascia damage often go hand in hand. So, when the soffit needs repair, the fascia likely will need to be repaired, as well.
Cost to replace fascia and soffit boards
If you need a new fascia board, the replacement cost per linear metre is usually from £80 to £100. Replacing soffit boards is slightly more involved due to positioning and will usually cost somewhere from £100 to £120 per linear metre.
Don't worry, replacing soffit and fascia boards is actually rather simple, and can be done by anyone with rudimentary DIY knowledge and experience.
Yes, many roofers, including those at Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, are experienced in installing soffits as part of their services. Because soffits are a critical component of the roofing system, roofers are often well-versed in their repair and replacement.
Your soffit covers the underside of your roof, and therefore a portion of your attic space.
Courtesy of the artists. The average lifespan of a house in the United States is between 50 and 63 years, from construction to demolition.
The duration of soffit and fascia replacement can vary but typically takes a few days to complete. Factors affecting the timeline include the size of your house, the complexity of the installation, and the conditions of the existing structures.
Any siding and window installer will agree that wood soffit and fascia are vulnerable to moisture damage. Prolonged weather exposure can lead to wet or dry rot, crumbling, or warping. Low-quality vinyl soffit and fascia may show cracks or gaps resulting from physical damage or temperature fluctuations.
Ventilated attics are important to the lifespan and efficiency of your roof. Keeping the soffit vents clear is integral to the fresh-air circulating throughout the attic space! Using your leaf blower is a quick, easy, and safe remedy when your soffit vents are clogged.
Professional Soffit Replacement
Having a professional replace your soffit is the best roof insulation option. Labor costs $6–$20 per linear foot, plus additional fees if the soffit is hard to access or has other issues. A professional will have all the necessary tools to complete the job.
Roof Complexity: Homes or roofs featuring more complex designs may take more time and expertise to install soffits correctly, increasing labour costs. Scaffolding Needs: For high roofs or hard-to-reach areas, scaffolding might be necessary, adding to the overall project cost.
Soffit is the material that lines the underside of your roofing on an overhang and can be either vented to help air flow or closed to protect the interior. Fascia is the forward-facing trim that lines the perimeter of the roof and is perpendicular to the soffit. Its primary purpose is protection of the roofing.
Can You Put New Soffits Over Old Ones? Yes, you can cover wooden soffits with vinyl or aluminum soffits, provided that the old soffits are in good condition. But wooden soffits should be inspected for rotten boards or other problems mentioned above.
If you don't have soffit vents, we recommend you add some other vents in the lower part of the attic that can function like soffits. For some homes, you could try adding vents to a porch ceiling that could act like a soffit and feed the attic.
Removing a kitchen soffit is also a more invasive process than simply switching out cabinets and countertops. There is an added risk of damaging materials that you want to keep and the project timeline will increase.
Although it's safe to pressure wash soffits, there are few important things to remember: One key point to keep in mind is the water pressure. A high-pressure water blasting can be dangerous for your attic. Water may flow into your attic causing a greater havoc.
(Find out the importance of cleaning out your gutters here.). If gutters are overflowing because they are blocked by debris or because they are not installed correctly or are damaged, water can rot the soffit and fascia. Rotting soffit and fascia mean your home is at risk of expensive and dangerous water damage.