Roofline Services Preston
The parts of a roofline
| Part | Where it is | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Fascias | The boards along the bottom edge of the roof | Carry the gutters and close off the ends of the rafters |
| Soffits | The boards underneath, between the fascia and the wall | Close the gap under the eaves and let air into the roof space |
| Bargeboards | The angled boards along the gable ends | Protect the roof edge at the gables from wind and rain |
| Gutters | Fixed to the fascias | Catch the water running off the roof |
| Downpipes | Down the walls | Carry the water from the gutters to the ground |
When one part fails, the others usually follow. That's why we look at the whole roofline, not just the part you called about.
Signs your roofline needs attention
- Peeling paint, soft or rotten wood on timber fascias or bargeboards.
- Gutters sagging or pulling away, often because the fascia behind has rotted.
- Gaps or holes in the soffits, sometimes with birds nesting behind them.
- Water stains on the wall below the roof edge.
- Condensation or damp in the loft, which can point to poor ventilation at the eaves.
- Cracked, discoloured or loose uPVC boards on older installations.
Our roofline services
Fascias and soffits
We replace fascias and soffits in uPVC or timber. Every soffit we fit is ventilated, so air can move through the roof space and help keep condensation down. See our fascias and soffits page.
Bargeboards
Bargeboards take the full force of the weather at the gable ends. We repair or replace rotten and damaged bargeboards, and check the verge of the roof above them while we're there.
Gutters and downpipes
New gutters are fitted to sound fascias at the right fall, with downpipes refixed or replaced. See our guttering installation and gutter repairs pages.
Complete roofline replacement
When most of the roofline has failed, replacing fascias, soffits, bargeboards, gutters and downpipes together is usually the most cost-effective option. It means one set of access, one visit and a roof edge that all works together.
Birds, pests and the roof edge
Gaps in rotten soffits and fascias are an easy way into the roof space. Birds nest behind loose boards, and their nesting material can block ventilation and gutters. Replacing failed boards closes those gaps. If birds are nesting, the work may need timing around the nesting season, as active nests of wild birds are protected by law. We'll talk you through it if we find one.
Roofline on older Preston homes
Many of Preston's older terraces and villas still have timber fascias and bargeboards, some of them decorative. Where the timber is sound, repairing it can keep the original look. Where it has rotted, replacing it like for like in timber keeps the character of the house, especially in a conservation area.
uPVC or timber?
| uPVC | Timber | |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Low, no painting | Needs painting regularly |
| Look | Clean, modern finish | Traditional, can be decorative |
| Best for | Most homes | Period homes and conservation areas |
On a period home or in a conservation area, timber is often the right choice to keep the character of the building. We'll talk through the options when we quote.
How we replace a roofline
- Safe access to the roof edge, front and back.
- Take down the old gutters, fascias, soffits and bargeboards, and check the rafter ends and the bottom of the roof behind them.
- Deal with any rot in the timbers before the new boards go on.
- Fit new fascias, ventilated soffits and bargeboards in uPVC or timber.
- Fit new gutters and downpipes at the right fall towards the outlets.
- Clear up and take the old materials away.
Why not just cover the old boards?
Fitting new uPVC boards straight over old timber can be quicker, but if the timber behind is rotten, covering it hides the problem rather than fixing it. The boards behind should be checked first. Where they're sound, we'll tell you; where they've rotted, they need dealing with properly.
The roofline and the roof
The bottom row of slates or tiles sits on the fascia, and the felt or membrane should drain into the gutter. If the roof edge has been neglected, the bottom of the roof often needs attention too. Because we're roofers, we can deal with both in the same visit. See our roof repairs page. If the chimney, lead or other parts of the outside need work too, see our property exterior repairs page.
Roofline work for landlords and businesses
Rotten fascias and failed gutters lead to damp walls and complaints from tenants, and on commercial buildings to water getting into the building. We carry out roofline work for landlords and businesses as well as homeowners. See our landlord property maintenance page.
Frequently asked questions
What are roofline services?
Repairing and replacing the parts along the edge of the roof: fascias, soffits, bargeboards, gutters and downpipes.
Should I replace fascias and gutters at the same time?
Often, yes. The gutters are fixed to the fascias, so replacing both together saves a second visit and a second set of access costs.
Do you fit timber fascias?
Yes. We fit timber fascias and soffits as well as uPVC.
Why are ventilated soffits important?
They let air into the roof space at the eaves, which helps keep condensation down in the loft.
Can you fix just one part of the roofline?
Yes. If only one part needs work, we'll do that and tell you if anything else needs watching.
Are your quotes free?
Yes. Call 07742 720 236 for a free quote.
Roofline problem in Preston?
Call Danny on 07742 720 236 or request a free quote. For all our exterior work, see our general contractor services page.