Why Hiring a Professional to Install Soffits and Fascias is The Wisest Option

By definition, for any DIY lover, the chance to install something instead of calling the professional that one should call, is a highly attractive prospect. But the fact is that allowing someone other than a professional to install upvc fascias and soffits carries with it no shortage of risks, and is not recommended.

The most obvious reason for this is the level of knowledge one must have with the product itself. Knowing all the parts and how to assemble them together, from plastic fascia boards to the upvc edges, trims and soffit vent panels, is essential. For many DIY folk, the chance to challenge themselves against a new task is an addictive feeling. Although, often, a project takes a little longer to complete because of the time needed to get accustomed to the constituent parts and correct any minor mistakes that may occur along the way.

With so many individual pieces to assemble, the job of installing the fascia and soffit pieces is actually quite complex. While it is true that modern designs and upvc sections means it is easier than it was in the past, for anyone taking a hand to the job for the first time, it is hard. This is because it is, in essence, a very detailed operation that requires precision and accuracy.

Often, behind the fascia boards being replaced are telephone wires, electricity wires and other factors that must be dealt with properly. And this is where experience comes in to play. It is the experience of having put up dozens of upvc fascia and soffit sets that makes the professional installer the right choice.

Of course, that is not to say that the home owner is devoid of experience. But even if he or she is a DIY enthusiast who has assembled garden sheds and installed the home security alarm system in the past, afixing so many panels both on the edge and on the underside of the eaves is a tricky task. It takes more than one person to complete the undertaking so, not only does the home owner have to know where everything goes, how to join the individual panels, and seal them properly, but he or she also needs a partner who knows all of these things too.

In order to ensure that there is sufficient balance when carrying the job out, industry professionals recommend using a scaffolding, not ladders. Scaffolding generally needs to be hired, which increases the cost and, surely, defeats the purpose of taking the DIY route.

It is worth noting too, that there are building regulations that must be met when doing the job. For example, ventilation in soffits is now a requirement by law, which means that simply buying the panels and putting them up is not enough. The solid panels must have vents cut into them, or vent panels need to be installed.

There are also extra issues that can crop up. If one is replacing wooden fascias, then it is probably that the board, and therefore roof, is more than 20 years old. This means that the felt under the slates in the roof is likely to be old and wearing away at the eaves. If this is the case, then it should be changed to a minimum of 12 inches into the roof. Also, 5mm of space needs to be allowed for at each panel end to accommodate expansion.

But, the final reason why one should get a professional is, perhaps, the most significant. If a professional is hired, there is an understanding the job should be completed perfectly. If there is a problem, for whatever reason, then the home owner has recourse to have the whole task done again, for free. However, if the home owner took the DIY route, then there is no recourse to take.

Some of the more responsible companies recommend professional installers that have completed their own inhouse training course. In this way, the company knows that the best personnel are installing their plastic fascia boards, and customers know that these certified professionals know what they are doing.

Safe in the knowledge that the fascias will last the test of time, or that the soffit vent is properly positioned and clear, the home owner can feel confident the finished job is done expertly, and in the fastest time possible.