uPVC vs timber

uPVC vs Timber Fascia and Soffit

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.

  • 20 to 30 yrsthe usual life of uPVC boards
  • A few yearsbetween repaints on timber
  • €1,000 to €2,500uPVC boards on a semi, fitted
  • 0times uPVC needs painting

Before and after

What it looks like done

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.

White boards to anthracite grey, ogee gutters, on a bungalow, before and afterAnthraciteBeforePreview

White boards to anthracite grey, ogee gutters, on a bungalow

Example preview made with our tool

Anthracite fascia, soffit and square gutters on a chalet bungalow, before and afterAnthraciteBeforePreview

Anthracite fascia, soffit and square gutters on a chalet bungalow

Example preview made with our tool

Tired dark boards to clean white uPVC on a pebbledash semi, before and afterWhiteBeforePreview

Tired dark boards to clean white uPVC on a pebbledash semi

Example preview made with our tool

See it on your own house

Side by side

uPVC against timber

uPVCPainted timber
UpkeepA wash once a yearRepainting every few years, from a ladder or tower
LifeCommonly 20 to 30 yearsAs long as the paint holds
Cost over timeThe lowest once upkeep is countedThe highest once upkeep is counted
RotDoesn't rotRots where paint fails and water gets in

Why timber fails

Paint first, then the wood

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

Old houses and protected structures

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

Check before the old boards come off

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

How it works

  1. Tell us the jobThree taps on the form, or a photo in the Studio. Only your phone number is needed.
  2. We match you with one companyOne fascia and soffit company that covers your county, vetted for this work. Not a list, and not five firms ringing you.
  3. They ring you with a priceAfter a look at the house, in writing: boards, colour, gutters, access and VAT. Nothing is agreed until you say yes.

See it on your home

See new fascia and soffit on your own house

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

Get a price in 3 taps

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.

What do you need?

Pick the closest. They'll ask the rest.

By sending, you agree to Fascias and Soffits passing your details to one fascia and soffit company that covers your county, so they can contact you about the job. Privacy notice

FAQ

Questions we get asked

Is uPVC fascia better than wood?

For most houses, yes: a wash once a year against regular painting, and 20 to 30 years of life.

Can I replace timber fascia with uPVC?

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.

How long does timber fascia last?

As long as it's painted and sealed. Once water gets in behind the paint, it rots.

Get a free quote for your fascia and soffit

One company that covers your county rings you. Nothing is agreed until you accept a written price.