What are fascia boards?
Fascia boards are the long, straight boards that are installed at the lower edge of your property’s roof. They cover the exposed ends of the roof rafters, giving a clean and finished look. They also provide a base for securing gutters, preventing them from sagging or pulling away. Fascia boards also offer protection, shielding the roof and eaves from water damage and preventing rot and deterioration.
We provide a wide range of fascia choices to suit your home’s exterior, from cap over PVC fascia to full replacement fascia.
Tools and materials needed for fitting fascia boards:
- PVC fascia boards
- Measuring tape
- A fine-toothed saw
- Spirit level
- Drill
- Gutter brackets (if installing gutters)
- PVC end caps and corner joints
- Silicone sealant
- Ladder
- Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)
- Hammer
- String line
Step-by-step guide to fitting PVC fascia boards
Now we’ll run through the steps to successfully fitting your fascia boards.
- Preparation and safety check
Note: Installation should only be carried out in temperatures between 0°c and 30°c.
Always use appropriate personal protective equipment and adhere to relevant safety guidance and best practice, particularly when working at heights.
Inspect the existing roofline and rafter ends for any signs of damage. If the existing board is in sound condition with no rot or decay, use a Capping Over fascia board. If you’re replacing old timber fascia, use a Full Replacement board.
Inspect the roof felt, if there are signs of deterioration, install an eaves tray and/or replace the required section of roof felt as necessary.
Remove existing boards. Measure the length of the roof edge to determine the size of PVC fascia boards needed.
Cut the boards to size using a fine-toothed saw for a clean finish (when using power tools, make sure to run them at speeds appropriate for timber).
Fascia will usually need to be cut to the correct width to suit the rafter depth. Ensure that the fascia does not extend beyond any tilting fillets and that the roof felt can drain over the fascia into gutters.
If over fascia ventilators are being used, then the fascia width will need to be reduced to accommodate the vent.
We always recommend using the Freefoam fitting guide for the full set of instructions for your product!
2. Fitting Soffit Bearers
Measure from exterior of roof to end of rafters. Cut pieces of fascia board to length to act as Soffit bearers or Noggins.
Hold and fix the fascia piece against the rafter ends and make sure it is level and flush with the roofline.
3. Positioning the PVC fascia boards
Hold the fascia board against the rafter ends and make sure that it’s level and flush with the roofline. You can use a spirit level here to check for correct alignment. Proper positioning is crucial for both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the fascia, especially if you’ll also be installing gutters.
When loading and unloading the boards, support both ends and avoid contact with solvents, paint, creosote and bitumen.
4. Securing the PVC fascia
Drill pilot holes through the PVC fascia board into the rafter ends. This will help prevent the board from cracking or splitting when screws are inserted. Use plastic headed nails to the secure the fascia board in place.
The size, quantity and spacing of the nails required varies according to colour, thickness and width of the fascia. Refer to the full installation instructions for further information.
5. Joining PVC fascia boards
If your roofline is longer than a single fascia board, you’ll need to join two boards together. Use a PVC joint trim or cover strip to create a seamless connection between the boards.
Fix joiners using pins and/or adhesive to one fascia only to allow movement. Never fix accessories to both of the fascia lengths being joined.
Join lengths of fascia between rafter positions, ensuring a 6mm expansion gap is provided at the end of each board.
For the box end, measure and cut the fascia to form the return to the gable wall using double ended fascia board.
6. Adding finishing touches
To give a polished look and protect the board ends from moisture and debris, install end caps and corner joints to cover exposed edges of the PVC fascia board.
No fascia installation is complete without the perfect set of accessories.
7. Cleaning and maintenance
Simply wipe down the PVC fascia board with a damp cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints from installation. The great thing about PVC is that it requires minimal maintenance. Clean the boards periodically with warm soapy water to keep them looking new. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes that could scratch the surface.
Why choose PVC fascia boards?
Fascia boards are an essential part of many house designs. PVC is a popular choice for many homeowners due to their durability, low maintenance and attractive appearance. Unlike traditional timber fascia, PVC is resistant to rot, insect damage, making it an ideal and practical solution for both modern and traditional houses.
Low maintenance is a particular advantage for fascia because it is often not easy to access.
PVC offers great resistance to moisture, UV rays and extreme weather, and it doesn’t require regular painting or sealing (clean it easily with soap and water).
Another benefit of PVC fascia is the aesthetic versatility – it’s available in a variety of colours and finishes, including wood grain effects, to complement any home exterior.
Fitting PVC fascia boards is a fairly straightforward process that can greatly enhance the durability and appearance of your home’s roofline. Our guide lays out the key elements advising the replacement of fascia be undertaken by only very competent homeowners. With their combination of style, durability, and ease of maintenance, PVC fascia boards are an excellent investment for any property. Browse our range today and get in touch with our team if you have any queries!
Technical Help: Freefoam offer technical support on their full range. If you need help call 0800 002 9304.
Freefoam Registered Installer: Whilst online guides and technical support allow homeowners to carry out roofline work Freefoam would always recommend that fitting or replacing of fascia be carried out by a Freefoam Registered Installer. These are independent professionals backed up by years of experience. Using a Registered Installer also means that the work is registered online for Freefoam’s 20-year Freefoam Guarantee or extended 50-year guarantee. Only Freefoam Registered Installers offer the extended guarantee!
Link to FREEFOAM FITTING GUIDE brochure