Maintaining the guttering system around your home’s exterior is essential in order to protect it against water damage and prolong the life of your roofing materials and fascia boards. 

When guttering becomes worn or misaligned, it can lead to further issues such as rotten fascia and boards, deteriorated roofing materials, and damage to cladding. It is important to consider having your guttering system reinstalled after years of service to ensure it doesn’t cause damage to more expensive materials. 

Below is a step-by-step of the installation and fitting process of new uPVC guttering, and the impact this can have on rotten fascia boards and soffit boards. 

Step 1 – inspect existing guttering

Inspecting worn and misaligned guttering is imperative to protect your roofing materials, aged guttering systems are prone to misalignment because of exposure to the elements. This can cause leaks, poor drainage and water damage to the exterior foundation of the house.

Therefore, inspecting your guttering once it has aged is a very important step. Key things to look out for when doing this is to see if your guttering is pulling away from the roofline and forming gaps or cracks. If it is, then repairs are essential to prevent further damage.

Step 2 – remove the guttering

Removing the old guttering will reveal any underlying damage. A common issue with aged gutters is rotten fascia boards underneath, which usually occurs because the timber above the gutter line doesn’t receive the same maintenance and protection from weathering as the materials below the gutter.

Leaving rotting fascia boards unaddressed can not only compromise the guttering but also lead to structural damage. Therefore, it is essential that when you spot your guttering system becoming unaligned; you address it shortly after. 

Step 3 – remove old timber

Now we remove the old timber, allowing for a full inspection of the rafter feet. It is also common to notice any deterioration of the sarking felt (the underlay between the roof tiles). Ensuring that these components are sound is important for prolonging the life of your roofing materials. 

Step 4 – installing new timber

Next, we install pre-treated, tanalised timber at the ends of the rafter feet. This creates a sturdy base for securing new materials, including the uPVC fascia, soffit, and guttering. Proper support is crucial for preventing sagging or future misalignment of the guttering. 

Step 5 – installing soffit boards

We then install new uPVC soffit boards. We can add ventilation at no extra cost and we’ll discuss this with you during the initial consultation. Proper ventilation is vital for preventing moisture build-up, which over time can lead to mould or rotting. 

Step 6 – fitting fascia boards

Then we securely fix the new uPVC fascia to the pre-installed timber support using marine-grade stainless steel pins with white heads to ensure a sleek finish. uPVC fascia boards require no painting and are highly resistant to weathering, making them a durable, low-maintenance option.

Step 7 – replacing old sarking felt

Next, we replace the old, deteriorated sarking felt with uPVC sarking trays or, depending on the tile type, a flexible PVC membrane. This crucial step ensures that rainwater flows efficiently into the gutters without seeping into the roof structure and causing damage.

Step 8 – adding a PVC comb filler

We then add a PVC comb filler to prevent birds from nesting under the roof tiles. Birds can cause damage by disturbing roofing materials, and this preventive step helps to ensure the longevity of the roofing system.

Step 9 – mitre and seal all corners

Now we carefully mitre and seal all corners of the soffits and fascias to ensure a clean, professional finish. Proper sealing helps to prevent rainwater from getting behind the boards, which could lead to future water damage or rot.

Step 10 – full installation

Finally, we fully install the new fascia, soffits, and guttering providing a fresh and clean appearance. Replacing worn guttering and fascia with new uPVC not only improves the appearance of your home but also provides critical protection against water damage, extending the life of your roofing system. The benefits are immediate: no leaks, rot, or need for frequent maintenance.
Contact us today if we can help with your gutter installation. Either for trade enquiries, or at your local Squaredeal branch.