Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace wooden fascias?
The cost to replace wooden fascias in the UK depends on the size of your property, the type of wood used, and your location. On average, you can expect to pay between £50 to £100 per linear metre for supply and installation. For a typical semi-detached house, the total cost for replacing both fascias and soffits can range from £1,500 to £5,000. Costs can be higher in London and the South East. Opting for uPVC as a replacement material is often cheaper, with prices around £40 to £70 per metre.
Replacing old wood fascia is a job that a competent DIYer can tackle, but it requires care, especially when working at height. Here is a general process:

  1. Erect Scaffolding: For safety, it is highly recommended to use scaffolding rather than a ladder for this type of work.
  2. Remove Gutters: The guttering is attached to the fascia boards and must be carefully detached first.
  3. Pry Off Old Fascia Boards: Use a pry bar or crowbar to carefully remove the old, potentially rotten, wooden fascia boards from the rafter ends.
  4. Inspect Rafter Ends: Check the ends of the roof rafters for any rot or damage. If any are found, they will need to be repaired or replaced before proceeding.
  5. Install New Fascia Boards: Cut your new wooden or uPVC fascia boards to the correct length and fix them securely to the rafter ends using appropriate nails or screws.
  6. Re-install Gutters: Once the new fascias are in place, you can re-attach the guttering system.
Yes, you can replace your own fascias and soffits if you have strong DIY skills and are comfortable working at height. The main benefit is saving on labour costs, which can be significant.
 
However, the work is physically demanding and carries risks. Using proper safety equipment, especially secure scaffolding, is essential.
 
If you are unsure or the job is complex (e.g., on a multi-story house), hiring a professional is the safest option.
It is generally not practical or recommended to replace soffits without first removing the gutters. The soffit board is tucked in behind the fascia board, and the gutter is attached to the front of the fascia.
 
To properly remove the old soffit and fit the new one, you almost always need to remove the fascia board first, which necessitates the removal of the guttering. Attempting to work around the gutters would make the job much more difficult and likely lead to a poor-quality finish.
The time required for the replacement depends on the size of the house and the number of people working on the job.
 
For a typical semi-detached house in the UK, a professional team can usually complete the replacement of both soffits and fascias within 1 to 3 days.
 
A smaller terraced house might only take a day, while a large detached property could take 3 to 5 days. This timeframe can be affected by adverse weather conditions.
 

Recent blog posts