Q & As

Q: For what reason should I choose fascia boards made from uPVC over timber fascia boards?  

A: uPVC Fascia Boards, Soffits, Gutters and Cladding now account for 86% of roofline replacement and new builds in theUK. The reason behind this is simple uPVC fascia boards are a highly durable, environmentally friendly, cost effective, safe, secure and robust product. It is now widely recognised that the maintenance (in painting and sanding) and the technical performance of timber (thermal efficiency), especially for roofline, is no longer acceptable when compared with uPVC Fascias and Soffits. UPVC roofline from Fascia Expert will not rot, warp, bend or discolour as they are protected by Homeline’s revolutionary Heat Shield technology.  

Q: Fascias and Soffits, what are they?

A: Fascias date back to classical Greek architecture. Fascias are the horizontal band below the roofline which the guttering attaches to. Most fascias in theUKare now predominantly made uPVC. Soffits bridge the gap between the Fascia board and the brickwork. Very often the Fascia board has a lip, or a groove, in which the soffit rests. Together they preserve timber roof structures and brickwork, by transporting water away down the drain. If used in conjunction with the appropriate ventilation they also prevent condensation in your roof space.  

Q: Are Fascia Experts products guaranteed?

A: All Fascia Expert rooflines, which are manufactured by Homeline Building Products, carry a comprehensive guarantee policy.

> White Fascias and Soffits (15 years)
> Foiled Fascias and Soffits (10 years)
> White & Black Gutters (10 years)
> Brown & Caramel Gutters (5 years)

Is there a difference between a Fascia Board and a Bargeboard?

In essence they are the same product, but they are used for slightly different applications. A Fascia board is commonly situated behind the uPVC gutters, and a Bargeboard is commonly located on an apex next to the verge. Both applications can used full replacement Fascia Boards. 

Roofline lingo, I can’t find what I’ looking for?

A: Don’t be alarmed if you can’t find what you’re looking for, it could just be that products are called something slightly different than what you were expecting. Across the country different products are referred to as different names across the trade and DIY market. We hope the following Fascia Expert ‘lingo’ guide comes in useful!!

Soffits…. Also known as…. Multi Boards, Flat Plates, Planking, Multi Board, Gee Pee & General Purpose Board.
Reveal Liners…. Also known as…. Cappit Board, Capp Over Board, Cover Board, Cloaking & Window Board.
Window Trims…. Also known as…. Trims, Make Up & Arc’s.

Q: Is uPVC environmentally friendly?

A: Yes. uPVC is 100% recyclable and can be reused up to 10 times. All Homeline uPVC fascias and uPVC soffits are manufactured using environmentally friendly Calcium Zinc in accordance with Vinyl 2010. Some manufacturers still use Lead and Tin rooflines. 

Q: Do Fascia Boards discolour?

A: No, Fascia Expert roofline products from Homeline have been manufactured for the same way for the past 20 years. Fascias and Soffits do not suffer from discolouration, guaranteed!

Q:What accreditations are there?

A:Homeline roofline products carry full BBA, BSI (ISO 9001 & 14001) and Kitemark accreditation.

Q: Is it better to have a thicker Fascia board installed?

A: 16mm full replacement Fascia Board, as supplied by Fascia Expert, is more than suitable as it’s designed to carry the full weight of roof tiles and guttering. The Homeline roofline system has been tested and approved by the BBA for wind, snow and rain loading. To ensure our products perform as they should do, our installation guidelines must be adhered to.

Q: Can I use Reveal Liner (Capp Over)?

A: Fascia Expert recommends a full replacement of the old timber for a uPVC roofline replacement as very often you’re just papering over cracks by installing new uPVC over rotten wood. There are certain circumstances however where installers will use cap-over boards effectively. Flat roofs for example can be suitable for cap-over boards if you do not want to disturb the existing roof cover (i.e. Felt or EPDM rubber cover). Other installers apply a plywood face to the roof joists if they are slightly uneven before applying the new uPVC Fascia Board. 

Q: Are Woodgrain products guaranteed for external use?

A: Yes, all Homeline woodgrains are guaranteed for 10 years as long as they are fixed at 400mm centres, not 600mm as with white products.

Q: Is Hollow Soffit suitable for use as Cladding?

A: Homeline’s Hollow Soffit is only suitable for use as a Soffit Board, not as external cladding. If you are ordering cladding, please ensure your installer is using the correct product to avoid problems further down the line.