What Fascia and Soffit Boards Do
The fascia is the horizontal board fixed vertically to the rafter feet at the eaves, facing outward. The gutter is fixed to it. The soffit is the horizontal board closing the gap between the fascia and the wall, facing downward. Together they protect the rafter feet, the roof structure at the eaves, and the top of the wall from water ingress, and they close the eaves space against birds and pests.
On the majority of post-war Aylesbury properties — the 1950s–80s housing across Bedgrove, Southcourt, Quarrendon, and the wider estate stock — the original fascia and soffit were timber, usually painted softwood. After 40–50 years, this timber has typically deteriorated behind the gutter (which holds moisture against it), and many Aylesbury properties now have rotten fascia boards that are structurally compromising their gutter fixings.
Rotten Fascia: The Cascade Problem
A rotten fascia board causes a cascade of secondary problems. The gutter brackets pull out of the softened timber, causing the gutter to sag, overflow at the back joint, and direct water behind the fascia into the wall top plate and rafter feet. Rotten rafter feet are significantly more expensive to repair than replacing the fascia at the right time would have been. In advanced cases, rotted rafter feet require structural timber repair — a category of work well beyond fascia replacement.
The first visible signs of fascia rot are usually: gutters that have dropped and no longer drain correctly; paint bubbling or flaking on the fascia board; soft spots when the board is pressed (if accessible); or brown staining on the wall below the gutter. Any of these is worth investigating before they progress.
Replacement vs Over-boarding
There are two approaches to UPVC fascia installation. Full replacement removes the old timber fascia and soffit, inspects and treats the rafter feet, and fits new UPVC boards. Over-boarding fits new UPVC boards over the existing timber without removing it. Over-boarding is cheaper and quicker, but it traps the existing timber behind the new board — if there's any existing moisture in the timber, it will continue to deteriorate behind the UPVC. We recommend full replacement where the existing timber shows any sign of deterioration.
Costs in Aylesbury
| Property Type | Full Replacement | Over-board |
|---|---|---|
| 3-bed semi | £800–£1,400 | £500–£900 |
| 4-bed detached | £1,200–£2,000 | £800–£1,400 |
| Bungalow | £700–£1,200 | £450–£800 |
Prices include new UPVC fascia, soffit, and barge boards, plus new guttering to replace what's removed during the job. Scaffold or tower is typically included for two-storey properties.
Free surveys, no call-out fee, 10-year guarantee on all work across Aylesbury and Buckinghamshire.
Fascia & Soffit Aylesbury → or call 0129 670 6028