Fascias, soffits and guttering | West Midlands

Fascias are the boards along the bottom edge of the roof that carry the gutters; soffits are the boards underneath, closing the gap between the fascia and the wall; bargeboards run up the gable ends. Together with gutters and downpipes, they're known as the roofline. Replacing them usually means swapping painted timber for maintenance-free uPVC.

New white uPVC fascias and soffits with black half-round guttering on a brick house

Roofline is easy to ignore until something fails. Peeling paint, rotten timber at the corners, gutters that overflow or sag, and drips running down the wall are all signs the boards and rainwater system need attention. Leaving them can cause damp patches inside, damage to the wall and rot spreading into the rafter ends. Replacing the whole roofline at once usually works out cheaper than fixing it piece by piece.

We remove the old timber rather than covering it, so we can check and repair the rafter feet, then fit new uPVC fascias, vented soffits and new gutters and downpipes. Most semis and terraces can be done in a couple of days. It's also a good time to deal with the first row of tiles and the felt at the eaves, which often perishes on older roofs.

Which options suit your home?

Full replacement

Old timber fascias, soffits and bargeboards are removed, rafter feet are repaired where needed, and new uPVC boards are fixed directly to the roof timbers. This is the most reliable option because it deals with any hidden rot and gives proper fixings for the gutters. It's the method we recommend for most homes.

Cap-over boards

Thin uPVC boards are fixed over the existing timber. Capping is cheaper, but only suitable where the old timber is completely sound, and any rot underneath carries on out of sight. We'll tell you honestly at survey whether your boards are good enough for capping, though full replacement is usually better value over time.

Gutters and downpipes

Replacing old cast iron, asbestos cement or tired plastic gutters with new uPVC in half-round, square or ogee profiles. New gutters are set to a proper fall towards the outlets, with downpipes connected to the existing drains or soakaway. This can be done on its own if the fascias are still in good condition.

Dry verge and eaves protection

Mortar-bedded gable verges often crack and drop. A dry verge system clips caps over the tile edges without mortar. At the eaves, a strip of eaves protection membrane and an over-fascia vent can replace perished felt and keep the roof ventilated. Both are often added when the roofline is being replaced.

Colours and finishes

White uPVC is the most common and cheapest finish. Black, anthracite grey, brown and woodgrain foils are available for fascias, soffits and gutters, and can be matched to windows and doors. Coloured boards cost more, but they suit darker windows and some period houses better.

What's included when SKJ does the work?

Free survey of the roofline, rafter ends, gutters and drainage
Scaffolding or access towers suitable for the house and the job
Removal and disposal of old fascias, soffits, bargeboards and gutters
Repairs to rafter feet and timber where needed, agreed with you first
New uPVC fascias, vented soffits and bargeboards to your chosen colour
New gutters, outlets and downpipes set to fall and connected to the drains
Eaves protection and ventilation so roof ventilation isn't reduced
Final clean of the boards, gutters and surrounding area

How much does a fascia, soffit and guttering job cost?

Guide prices run from £450 to £5,500 depending on size and specification. Full uPVC fascias, soffits, gutters and downpipes on a three-bed semi, front and back, with scaffold: typically £2,200 – £3,200.

Guide prices for fascias, soffits and guttering
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Gutters and downpipes only	£450 – £1,100	Terrace or semi, existing boards kept
Full roofline on a semi	£1,800 – £3,200	Fascias, soffits, gutters and downpipes
Full roofline on a detached house	£3,000 – £5,500	Full perimeter, often with bargeboards

Usually included: Survey, scaffolding or towers, removal of old boards and gutters, new uPVC fascias, soffits and bargeboards, gutters and downpipes, eaves ventilation and waste removal.
Usually extra: Rafter-end and timber repairs beyond a small allowance (priced per item), asbestos testing and licensed removal where needed, below-ground drainage repairs, and roof tile repairs beyond the first row.
Guide ranges are the total a homeowner would expect to pay, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price comes after a free survey.

What changes the price?

Length of roofline and number of corners, gables and bays
Full replacement or cap-over
Scaffolding needs, including access over extensions, conservatories or neighbours' land
Rafter-end repairs found once the old boards are off
Colour and profile, such as white, anthracite, black or woodgrain
Asbestos testing and removal if older soffits contain it

Work out my guide price

How does the job run, start to finish?

SurveyWe look at the condition of the boards, gutters and downpipes, check the rafter ends where we can, and measure the runs. We also note the age of the house, because older soffit boards can contain asbestos and may need testing first.
Quote and colour choiceYour quote lists the length of each board and gutter, the colour and profile, scaffolding and any eaves or verge work. Timber repairs are priced at a rate, then confirmed with you once the old boards are off.
Access and strip-outScaffolding or towers go up, and the old gutters and boards come off. We check for nesting birds and bats first, because both are protected by law, and pause work if we find active nests or roosts.
Repairs and fittingRotten rafter ends are repaired, then new fascias, soffits and bargeboards are fixed. Eaves membrane and ventilation are fitted so air still flows into the roof, and the first row of tiles is re-fixed where needed.
Gutters and finishingGutters are fitted to a steady fall, outlets and downpipes are connected to the drains, and joints are checked. We clean the new boards and gutters, take down the access equipment and clear all waste.

Timescale: Usually 1–3 days on site for a terrace or semi, and 3–5 days for a detached house.

Planning, Building Regulations and approvals

Do I need permission to replace fascias, soffits and gutters?

Usually not. Replacing fascias and soffits doesn't normally need building regulations approval or planning permission, and replacing gutters and downpipes doesn't need a building notice. The work must still make sure roof ventilation isn't reduced, so if the old roof had vents at the eaves, the new roofline keeps an equivalent system. Listed buildings and homes in conservation areas or under an Article 4 direction may need consent, especially if the colour or material changes.

What about bats, nesting birds and asbestos?

Bats often roost behind fascias and soffits and are protected by law, as are wild birds while nesting. If we find an active nest or signs of bats, work in that area pauses until it's safe and lawful to continue. Separately, soffit boards on homes built or altered before 2000 may contain asbestos cement. If we suspect that, we arrange a sample test before removal, and any asbestos is removed and disposed of by suitably trained people.

Fascias, soffits and guttering: your questions answered

How much does it cost to replace fascias, soffits and guttering?

For a typical three-bed semi, full replacement front and back usually costs around £2,200–£3,200 in the West Midlands, including scaffolding and new gutters and downpipes. Terraces cost less and detached houses more. Gutters and downpipes on their own typically cost £450–£1,100. Your quote lists the lengths and scaffold separately.

Should I cap over my old fascias or replace them?

Full replacement is usually the better choice. Capping covers the old timber, so any rot carries on unseen and can loosen the gutter fixings over time. It's only suitable where the existing boards are completely sound, which is uncommon on older houses. We'll tell you which option suits your home at survey.

How long does it take to replace fascias and guttering?

Most terraces and semis take one to three days once the scaffold is up, and detached houses three to five. Rafter repairs, eaves membrane and dry verges can add time, as can extra bays or gables. Light rain doesn't stop most of the work, but high winds can, because handling long boards at height isn't safe in a gale.

Will it be noisy or disruptive?

There's some noise while the old boards come off and the new ones are fixed, but all work is outside, so you won't need to move furniture or clear rooms. The scaffold may block part of the drive for a few days. Gutters are off for a short time only, and we reconnect them as quickly as possible.

What guarantee comes with new roofline?

The uPVC boards, gutters and fittings carry the manufacturer's guarantee, and the terms are set out in your quote. Coloured foils and white boards can have different terms, so check the details for the finish you choose. Keep the paperwork with your other house documents.

Do I need to be home while the work is done?

Not necessarily, because all the work is outside. We'll need access to the back garden and an outside tap if possible, and we'll arrange the scaffold delivery with you. If timber repairs are needed, we'll call or message you with photos before carrying them out.

Which areas do we cover for fascias, soffits and guttering?

We cover the whole West Midlands from West Bromwich. Pick your area for local details, councils and postcodes:

Fascias, soffits and guttering in the West Midlands