Fascia & Soffit Glossary

15 roofline, ventilation, and carpentry terms explained in plain English so you can read any written quote with confidence.

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15trade & building terms defined
Part Froof ventilation rules explained
SR 82Irish roofing code terms
26counties covered

Roofline & eaves glossary

Plain-English definitions of the trade, ventilation, and specification terms used on Irish fascia, soffit, and gutter quotes.

Bargeboard: The raking timber or cellular PVC board fixed along the sloped gable verge of a pitched roof, protecting exposed roof timbers and plasterwork from wind-driven Atlantic rain.
Box End (Gable Box): The enclosed square or angled junction formed where the horizontal eaves soffit and fascia meet the sloping gable bargeboard at the corner of a roof.
Cellular PVC (Co-Extruded uPVC): A foamed rigid polyvinyl chloride core bonded to a dense, UV-stabilised outer skin under BS 7619 / EN 13245, used for full-replacement 18 mm fascia boards and 9 mm capping boards.
Continuous Over-Fascia Vent: A slim louvered ventilation strip fitted along the top edge of the fascia board, providing a 10 mm or 25 mm continuous airflow path into the roof space without cutting circular soffit holes.
Drip Edge / Eaves Protector Tray: A rigid PVC support tray slid beneath the bottom row of roof tiles or slates to carry breathable sarking felt cleanly into the gutter and stop ponding behind the fascia.
Dry Verge System: Interlocking mechanical uPVC or aluminium caps clipped over the gable edge of slates or tiles under SR 82, replacing traditional sand-and-cement mortar bedding at the bargeboard.
Eaves Ventilation (TGD Part F): Irish Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document Part F requirement for continuous cross-flow roof void ventilation, normally 10,000 mm²/m (10 mm continuous slot) at eaves level.
ESB Shrouding (Live Service Drop): Temporary insulating cover placed by ESB Networks over overhead service cables or bracket terminations fixed to a house fascia or gable before eaves stripping begins.
Fascia Replacement Board (18 mm – 22 mm): A structural full-thickness cellular PVC or powder-coated aluminium board fixed directly to the cut rafter feet after all rotten softwood timber has been stripped away.
Over-Capping (9 mm Cover Board): A thin uPVC cover profile pinned over existing sound timber fascia; unsuitable where softwood rafter tails or backing boards already hold wet rot or damp.
Polytop A4 Stainless Annular Nails: Ring-shanked marine-grade A4 (316) stainless steel fixings with colour-matched polymer heads (40 mm to 65 mm) used to secure replacement fascia and soffit boards without rust staining.
Rafter Foot (Rafter Tail): The projecting bottom end of a pitched roof rafter overhanging the external masonry wall, which carries the weight of the fascia board, soffit bearer, and rainwater gutter.
Soffit Board (Solid, Hollow, or Vented): The horizontal or raking board bridging the underside of the eaves overhang between the outer masonry wall and the back of the fascia board.
Sprocket / Tilting Fillet: A triangular timber strip nailed along the top of the fascia or cant strip to kick the bottom course of slates or tiles at the correct pitch over the gutter.
Wet Rot (Coniophora puteana): A fungal timber decay common in Irish softwood eaves where torn felt or overflowing gutters keep rafter feet and timber fascia above 20% moisture content.

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Questions we get asked

How much does fascia and soffit replacement cost in Ireland?

€900 to €1,800 for a mid-terrace, €1,000 to €2,500 for a semi and €2,000 to €4,000+ for a detached house, supplied and fitted. With new gutters as well, most houses come in between €1,000 and €4,500. The price guide has the detail.

How long does it take?

One to two days for most houses. A big detached house, scaffolding or rot behind the old boards adds a day or two. See how long it takes.

Is there a grant for fascia and soffits?

Not on its own. If you're getting external wall insulation with the SEAI grant (€6,000 for a semi, €8,000 for a detached house), the soffits and gutters usually have to be adjusted anyway, so do them together.

Will it make a mess?

Very little. The old boards and gutters come down in sections and leave in the company's van, and the ground under the eaves is swept at the end of each day. You don't need to move out or clear rooms: the work is all outside.

Fascia and soffit explained

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