AnthraciteBeforePreviewWhite boards to anthracite grey, ogee gutters, on a bungalow
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uPVC vs timber
uPVC fascia needs a wash once a year and commonly lasts 20 to 30 years. Painted timber needs repainting every few years and rots once the paint fails. Over the life of the boards, uPVC costs less on nearly every house.
Free, no obligation. One local company prices it, not five.
Before and after
Real houses with tired boards, and the same photo with new fascia and soffit drawn by our tool. Try it on your own house in two minutes.
AnthraciteBeforePreviewWhite boards to anthracite grey, ogee gutters, on a bungalow
Example preview made with our tool
AnthraciteBeforePreviewAnthracite fascia, soffit and square gutters on a chalet bungalow
Example preview made with our tool
WhiteBeforePreviewTired dark boards to clean white uPVC on a pebbledash semi
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Side by side
| uPVC | Painted timber | |
|---|---|---|
| Upkeep | A wash once a year | Repainting every few years, from a ladder or tower |
| Life | Commonly 20 to 30 years | As long as the paint holds |
| Cost over time | The lowest once upkeep is counted | The highest once upkeep is counted |
| Rot | Doesn't rot | Rots where paint fails and water gets in |
Why timber fails
Timber fascia lasts as long as its paint. Once the paint cracks, water gets into the end grain at joints and around gutter brackets, and the board rots from there, often from the back where you can't see it. The gutter then pulls its screws out of soft wood and drops.
If you keep timber, budget for repainting every few years and check for soft spots each time.
When timber makes sense
On a period house, a protected structure or a house in an architectural conservation area, timber may be expected or required. Like-for-like repair is generally exempted development under section 4(1)(h) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, but only where it doesn't change the building's character. Swapping painted timber for uPVC on a protected house can. Ask the council's conservation officer first.
Bats
Bats roost behind soffit and fascia boards, every bat species in Ireland is protected, and disturbing a roost needs a licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. If you've seen bats at dusk around the eaves, tell the company before the job is booked.
Three steps
See it on your home
Take a photo of the front of your house, pick a colour, a gutter shape and the boards, and see the same house with the work done. Then ask for any change. Free, in about two minutes.
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Free quote
Tap what you need and leave your number. It goes to one fascia and soffit company that covers your county, and they ring you to arrange a look and a written price.
FAQ
For most houses, yes: a wash once a year against regular painting, and 20 to 30 years of life.
Yes, on most houses. The timber comes off and load-bearing uPVC boards go onto the rafters, or capping goes over timber that's still sound. Check first if the house is a protected structure.
As long as it's painted and sealed. Once water gets in behind the paint, it rots.
Guides
Every county
One company covers each request. Pick your county for local prices, house types and the towns covered.
One company that covers your county rings you. Nothing is agreed until you accept a written price.