fascias and guttering

tightgit_2

We want to have our fascias and guttering done, but can't decide to have the existing fascias clad or replaced altogether. The second option is at least a £1000 dearer. Can anyone tell me if it is worth the extra cost ?

djohn2002uk

If you're not intending to move then go for the second option. If the existing wooden facia is not in 100% condition, and even if it is, over time it will sweat in the enclosed space behind the new uPVC cladding and rot. The cladding then has nothing substantial to hold on to and..............(you know what's comming next).
Pay for a proper job, you only have to have it done once.
One other thing, if you get the choice, go for extruded aluminium guttering instead of plastic. You can't see any difference from the ground, except for no joints. They extrude it from the back of the van in the exact length needed so no joins and so never any leaks.................ever.
BUT, shop around and ask to be able to look at jobs they've done locally. There are some cowboys out there.

NigeWick

tightgit wrote:

Can anyone tell me if it is worth the extra cost ?

As has been said, cladding your existing stuff will do no good, apart from looking good for a while and in fact, you would be better off servicing/painting what you've already got. I worked with Everest for a few months and they are definitely the best for long term after sales service (I bought from them). But this comes at a very high initial investment. My mother had her soffits and fascias done by a local craftsman. He has done an excellent job.

My suggestion is, if you are staying in the place forever, think about Everest. If you do not have that sort of money (they quote free, but like all the rest, expect you to sign up on the day "to get the deal"), ask around and see if you can find a reputable local tradesman. Like all things, you'll have to put in a bit of research in order to get best value for what you require.

Nigel.

[Deleted User]

I had my fascia and soffit renewed about 5 years ago. I wish I hadn't really. The old wood wasn't half as rotten as I expected, and the new is poor quality by comparison. In particular though, the house is 60 years old, and the roofing felt is brittle. Where the felt laps over the fascia it crumbled away when disturbed, so it now discharges into the soffit instead of the gutter. I let it go at the time because I wasn't sure just how much water is shed by the felt, but 5 years on the tops of the walls are becoming damp, so all I've really acheived is to land myself with a bill for re-roofing.

Poppy9

I still have original guttering from 1950's which is showing its age now. I was told its asbestos - how dangerous is it? Also with the upvc guttering some of our neighbours are very green and mouldy and some are not. I never see anyone cleaning theirs so are they different types/qualities of upvc?


Thanks

The_Biff

Think of the birds - sparrows, starlings etc. Old style fascias will encourage them. I'm always chuffed to see birds nesting in my wooden eaves.

Poppy9

But what about Bats???

alanobrien

Poppy9 wrote:

I still have original guttering from 1950's which is showing its age now. I was told its asbestos - how dangerous is it? Also with the upvc guttering some of our neighbours are very green and mouldy and some are not. I never see anyone cleaning theirs so are they different types/qualities of upvc?

Thanks

As long as you do not drill it or cut into it, its not dangerous at all. The fibres are only dangerous when free floating in air.
If you do have to cut it or drill it then douse it with water
and wear a mask for additional protention.

There are certainly different grades of UPVC windows (pure polymer as opposed to recycled polymer) so i am guessing the same may well apply to guttering.

crankup

There are different plastics used for fascias, windows etc. Ask for Virgin Plastic. This stuff will not go yellow over time.

Regards,
Crankup