Roof Fascia (?) - safe to clad over instead of re-painting?

DIYhelp76

Hi everyone,

Hope someone can offer some advice please.  I'm not sure if I've got the terminology right, but we have this triangular bit at the top of our roof - is this called a fascia?  Will post photo below.

The paint has worn off over several years.  We are weighing up most economic options to get this fixed.  Either to re-paint or to clad over it.

Normally we do our own painting but this is too high for us to reach. Given its state, it would need a lot of preparation, sanding down, primer and then two coats of paint.  

Would it be safe to just clad over this existing wood in its current condition or would the old wooden part need to be removed first of all and replaced in whole?  We are thinking about that white plastic stuff they use for replacement windows.

If it is safe to clad over, would this likely be a cheaper option than getting it repainted?

Many thanks for any advice on this.

DIYhelp76

Below is a photo

stuart45

It depends on whether the timber is rotten. The terminology isn't quite correct. The fascia board is at the eaves. The boards you want doing are the bargeboards. 

CSI_Yorkshire

Horizontal with (usually) guttering mounted to it - Fascia.

Sloping and no guttering - Bargeboard.

ThisIsWeird

I have read on here that to clad over timber fascias/bargeboards is perfectly fine and should cause no long term issues. As mentioned before, tho', cut away any rot, and worth spraying rot-killer around the remaining areas.

Yes, it'll be a lot less hassle than prep & paint. And be maintenance free.

My only concern with your particular home is the potential cosmetic change, 'cos that is well 'andsome. Worth giving some serious thought to the colour you will go with. Has anyone else done this with your style of house?

DIYhelp76

Many thanks everyone - and for the correct terminology

ThisisWeird, thank you.  Good advice re spraying rot killer.  Agree, the ongoing maintenance free nature of cladding is attractive. 

You're right though, the wood is nicer...  Yes, houses nearby look to have white cladding. I prefer black I think.  I suspect black might be more susceptible to sun fade more with strong sunshine, so maybe white is the better choice?  Will give it some thought and try to get some quotes from people who can clad over.