Soffits and fascia replacement costs

Soffits and fascias protect your roofline, support your guttering and help keep moisture, pests and rot out of your home. When they start to fail, replacement is often more cost-effective than repeated repairs.

What are soffits and fascias?

Fascia boards run along the roof’s edge, supporting the bottom row of tiles and the guttering. Soffits lie horizontally beneath the fascia, closing the gap between the roof edge and the wall, helping protect rafters from the weather while allowing ventilation into the roof space. Together, they help keep water, pests, and moisture out of your home and play an essential role in maintaining the roof's overall condition.

Read more about roofing in our ultimate guide.

How much does it cost to replace soffits and fascias in the UK?

When budgeting for soffit and fascia replacement, it helps to understand how materials and supply costs contribute to the overall price. While labour and scaffolding make up a significant portion of any installation quote, the cost of the actual boards per metre gives a good baseline for material planning.

Here are typical supply prices for popular uPVC options, excluding installation:

• uPVC soffit boards:  Prices start at around £13.50 per metre
• uPVC fascia boards: Prices start from about £9.60 per metre

How much does uPVC vs. wood vs. aluminium cost per metre?

The three most popular materials for soffits and fascias are uPVC, wood, and aluminium, with uPVC generally being the cheapest, followed by timber and aluminium.

* Prices correct as of January 2026

uPVC

uPVC is the most cost-effective and popular choice, resistant to rot and low maintenance, making it a default for soffit and fascia replacement projects.

Timber

Timber offers a traditional finish and can be painted to match your home’s exterior decor. However, it requires regular maintenance, and may incur higher labour costs for installation and upkeep.

Aluminium

Aluminium is often the most expensive option, but it delivers excellent durability and long-term corrosion resistance.

Hidden costs when replacing your roofline

Replacing soffits and fascias involves more than just the boards themselves. Even though your quotes may focus on materials, homeowners commonly overlook several additional costs when budgeting for the project.

Labour costs

Labour accounts for a significant portion of the total installed cost because working at height and ensuring a weather-tight finish require skill and time. Costs depend on several factors, including your property’s location, with London and the Home Counties generally being more expensive, and the complexity of the project.

For a general guide to labour costs, Aspect, one of our members, charges from £76.50 an hour for building projects in London.

To get an accurate site-specific labour cost, an FMB member specialising in roofing can provide a bespoke quote.

Scaffolding and safe access

Soffit and fascia work almost always requires safe access to the roofline – especially on two-storey homes.

Scaffolding hire can cost from £400 a day, and a licence from your local authority may be required if it has to be placed on the pavement or road. Licence fees vary by council, but are typically around £200 per 28-day period.

Old material removal and waste disposal

Removing old soffits, fascias and sometimes guttering generates waste that should be disposed of properly. Many contractors include this in their overall quote, but skip hire or tipping fees can add £100 or more, depending on skip size and local disposal charges.

Guttering and roofline extras

Often, homeowners choose to replace gutters at the same time as soffits and fascias. Doing this offers a unified look and avoids future costs and disruption. New half-round plastic guttering typically costs around £3 per linear metre.

Planning and building compliance costs

For some properties, especially those in conservation areas or with unusual rooflines, you may need professional drawings or consultations. Architectural or building control fees can add several hundred pounds or more to your project.

Working with an FMB member with roofing experience helps ensure proper inspection, safe access, and long-lasting results – especially where hidden damage may exist behind the boards.

Is it cheaper to cap or replace fascia boards?

When updating your roofline, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether it’s cheaper to cap existing fascia boards with a new outer layer – usually uPVC, or to fully replace them.

Capping avoids removing and disposing of the original timber, reducing labour time and material use. However, complete replacement is the better long-term investment, especially if the original boards are damaged.

Signs that your soffits and fascias need replacing

Here are some of the most common signs that your soffits and fascias need replacing, rather than repairing or capping:

• Peeling paint or flaking boards: Paint that won’t stay intact or boards that are breaking down often indicate moisture damage beneath the surface
• Visible rot or soft timber: If timber fascias feel soft to the touch, crumble, or show dark staining, rot is likely present, and replacement is usually required
• Sagging or leaking gutters: Fascia boards support your guttering. If gutters are pulling away, sagging or leaking at joints, the fascia behind them may be failing.
• Water staining or damp patches: Marks on soffits or walls below the roofline may indicate that water is seeping past damaged boards
• Cracks, warping or gaps: Gaps allow water, insects, and birds into the roof space, which can lead to further structural issues
• Poor ventilation or condensation in the loft: Damaged or outdated soffits can restrict airflow, leading to condensation, mould and reduced roof lifespan
• Frequent need for repairs: If you’re repeatedly fixing minor issues, complete replacement is often more cost effective in the long run.

Catching these signs early helps prevent more serious roof damage. A professional inspection by an experienced roofer will confirm whether repair, capping, or complete replacement is the best option for your home.

Can you replace fascias without removing the gutters?

In most cases, fascias can’t be properly replaced without removing the gutters. Guttering is fixed directly into the fascia board, so taking it down is usually necessary to allow full access, secure fixing and correct alignment of the new boards.

While it may seem quicker to leave gutters in place, doing so makes it challenging to inspect the timber behind the fascia or to install new boards safely. Removing the gutters also ensures they can be refitted with the correct fall, helping prevent future leaks or drainage issues.

For a long-lasting result, professional roofers generally recommend removing and refitting the gutters as part of a full fascia replacement.

How long does a soffit and fascia replacement take?

Most soffit and fascia replacements are completed within a few days, depending on the size and style of the property. As a general guide, a terraced house usually takes 1–2 days, a semi-detached home around 2–3 days, and a detached property 3–5 days. Timings can vary if scaffolding is required, guttering is replaced at the same time, or hidden damage is uncovered once the old boards are removed.

Replacing soffits and fascias is more than a cosmetic upgrade – it’s a protective investment in your roof structure, helping to ensure a comfortable home for many years.