Timber Roofline, despite its many drawbacks, still remains a very popular choice when it comes to cladding, fascias and soffits, but like with all choices relating to protecting your home, there are pros and cons.
Selecting wood as a building material can lead to a variety of problems not associated with today’s modern virtually maintenance free alternatives. For example wood cladding can attract insects like termites, which can damage it significantly, plus it is vulnerable to fire.
In addition, fascias, more often than not, tend to get the most exposure from the elements than soffits for example. Whilst traditionally in the past fascias were made out of wood, but now more modern durable alternatives are available. When wood is exposed to prolonged sunshine or rainfall, it can swell and/or crack, with the consequence of the paint starting to peel away, making the entire property look uncared for and in need of repair. It is when gaps appear that insects can find a new “home” and the beauty of wood starts to lose it’s appeal, especially as it requires regular costly upkeep.
Because the primary role of exterior cladding, fascias and soffits is to protect a property from water ingress and damp (along with extremes of cold and heat), if the outer structure is damaged or becomes frail, your property by definition is less protected and at risk.
By choosing wood, you are “signing up” to the additional expense of having to stain or paint it many times over the years. Also wood can develop colonies of moss, algae, or mould which in turn may lead to rot. A substantial number of UK property owners still choose wood because of its natural beauty, and also as it allows them to elect from a wide range of stain or paint colours. It is easy to work with and fit, plus biodegradable if not protected with preservatives.
The main benefit of fitting UPVC roofline is the very low maintenance requirement, only needing a wipe down with warm soapy water every couple of years or so. There are several ways to go about the fitting cladding, fascias and soffits to your property. Traditionally one either clads over the existing cladding, fascias and soffits, or preferably ensures a full strip off of the existing wooden materials.
It is important to make certain that ventilation is fitted in the soffit boards, so that your property does not suffer from condensation in the loft space, which can remain undetected until significant damage is done. Professional companies will rightly advise complete removal of any existing wood material, unless it is in remarkably pristine condition, and you/they can be confident that it will never cause any issues in the future.
Before deciding to try and do a DIY job, consider whether or not you will be 100% safe and confident working at the top of a ladder or on a tower, as replacing cladding, fascias and soffits or guttering and downpipes is not a job for the inexperienced or fainthearted, so you might want to think carefully if you have the knowledge and experience to carry out a safe, aesthetically pleasing and watertight installation.
Whilst there is obviously an initial financial outlay of getting a professional home improvement company with a proven track record to replace your roofline, the long term benefits to your property, guaranteed workmanship and peace of mind outweigh the risks and dangers of going it alone.
Hazlemere Window Company Ltd have been supply and fitting UPVC Roofline since 1985, so why not find out more about their replacement cladding, guttering, fascias and soffits