Replace Wooden Soffits with uPVC?

David28

I've just had someone inspect the wooden soffits of my 30 year old house with a view to getting them painted and he has said that they are rotten in places and I should just get them replaced.
The person who inspected them is just a handyman, he wouldn't be the person who replaces them.
In fact he is doing himself out of a painting job. 
Should I replace them with wood again or should I go down the uPVC route?

Aylesbury_Duck

Depends on your personal preference.  Wood will probably look nicer but will need more regular care and attention.  uPVC will last longer with little or no maintenance beyond wiping clean as and when it needs it.

Are you semi-detached or terraced?  If so, aesthetics with respect to your neighbours may be important to you.

greyteam1959

Make sure that any quote you get is for removing the wooden soffits & not just sticking the UPVC onto the timber.
That's just going to set you up for problems in the future.

dogshome

Depends on what is meant by "Rotten in Places"

Common enough for the outer faces to rot a bit, but just how far has it got and the way to check this is press a sharp tool into it.

Just surface rot can be sanded back and treated, and then 9mm uPVC Facia boards can be fixed over the top, taking care that the Sarkin felt still overhangs the gutter - If it doesn't you can buy plastic bridgeing sections

ElephantBoy57

dogshome said:

Depends on what is meant by "Rotten in Places"

Common enough for the outer faces to rot a bit, but just how far has it got and the way to check this is press a sharp tool into it.

My window cleaner told me that my soffits were soft a few years ago, I guess if I leave it too long the rot will spread to the roof joists. When I find someone trustworthy I will get it done.

UncleZen

greyteam1959 said:

Make sure that any quote you get is for removing the wooden soffits & not just sticking the UPVC onto the timber.
That's just going to set you up for problems in the future.

Its not necessarily true that you'll get problems in the future.
If the wood underneath is sound, capping will suffice.
I had mt facias capped in 2008 (we dont have soffits) and the wood beneath is still good now, no rot as it never gets wet.