Builder has capped over existing wooden soffits and fascias

Matt20

Hi

I thought I was going to have my existing wooded soffits and fascias replaced with UPVC versions.

However, having spoken to the person doing the work he said that didn't remove the wood but just put UPVC over it.

I have spoken to the owner of the company and he said that this is the way they do it if the wood isn't rotten (my house is 17 years old and the woodwork was last painted 12 years ago).

I have read several times that you shouldn't cap existing woodwork. Is this only if it is rotten?

Thanks for your help

stebiz

Matt20 wrote: »

Hi

I thought I was going to have my existing wooded soffits and fascias replaced with UPVC versions.

However, having spoken to the person doing the work he said that didn't remove the wood but just put UPVC over it.

I have spoken to the owner of the company and he said that this is the way they do it if the wood isn't rotten (my house is 17 years old and the woodwork was last painted 12 years ago).

I have read several times that you shouldn't cap existing woodwork. Is this only if it is rotten?

Thanks for your help

Personally I would never have that done on the basis that external softwood WILL rot in time and then you have the probloem to deal with. Might be years down the line but a problem that will alwys be there.

Matt20

stebiz wrote: »

Personally I would never have that done on the basis that external softwood WILL rot in time and then you have the probloem to deal with. Might be years down the line but a problem that will alwys be there.

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about it now.

What should I watch for so I can tell if the wood is going rotten and what problems will it cause (could the roof collapse?)

stebiz

Matt20 wrote: »

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about it now.

What should I watch for so I can tell if the wood is going rotten and what problems will it cause (could the roof collapse?)

Have you paid him - cash?

3106catherine

My hubby was a window fitter and there are two ways to replace fascias one is full replacement where you remove the wood, this is the more expensive option. Alternatively you cap over the existing wood, which is more common, cheaper, and what we ahev had done on our own home. There isn't anything wrong as such with capping, providing thats what you are paying for and not full replacement.

Matt20

stebiz wrote: »

Have you paid him - cash?

No, I don't think they are cowboys - they did work for a neighbour and didn't even want a deposit.

They said that I could pay by credit card - I haven't paid them yet as they still have a bit to do tomorrow.

Matt20

3106catherine wrote: »

My hubby was a window fitter and there are two ways to replace fascias one is full replacement where you remove the wood, this is the more expensive option. Alternatively you cap over the existing wood, which is more common, cheaper, and what we ahev had done on our own home. There isn't anything wrong as such with capping, providing thats what you are paying for and not full replacement.

Thanks for that, it makes me feel better.

I have been doing some more reading and some people agree with you and say that full replacement can actually weaken the roof and that capping is better (unless the wood is rotten) in some ways.

leveller2911

3106catherine wrote: »

There isn't anything wrong as such with capping, providing thats what you are paying for and not full replacement.

The problem will capping over existing timber fascias is that if the roofing felt/breather membrane under the tiles on the roof doesn't extend down into the gutter the top of the timber fascia will rot.If the timber fasica has started to rot at the top (under the eaves times) over capping will not solve this.

Its a problem because it will rot behind the Upvc fascia capping and the homeower won't be able to see it. In time the fascia will rot through and then rot the ends of the rafters. It may or may not take years but over capping timber fascias with Upvc will simply mask any future problems.

Matt20

leveller2911 wrote: »

The problem will capping over existing timber fascias is that if the roofing felt/breather membrane under the tiles on the roof doesn't extend down into the gutter the top of the timber fascia will rot.

Thanks for this, how can I tell if it does or doesn't extend into the gutter and is there a work around?

Matt20

leveller2911 wrote: »

In time the fascia will rot through and then rot the ends of the rafters. .

Thanks, what would I have to do if this happened?

leveller2911

Matt20 wrote: »

Thanks for this, how can I tell if it does or doesn't extend into the gutter and is there a work around?

You can only tell by going up there and having a look and see if the felt/Breather membrane is in good condition and extends into the gutter. You can't see from the ground. The problem with over capping is you can't keep an eye on the condition of the timber because its behind the Upvc.

You may need to rely on the honesty of the builder if he tells you it does extend into the gutter and its in good condition. No easy answer I'm afraid