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Keeping a roofline watertight is an important part of protecting any home or building. When completing any big project, the fascias and soffits shouldn’t be overlooked, as they form a crucial part of home’s structure. Here at Edge, we believe it is crucial to choose the right fascia material for your client’s needs. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of choosing either a PVC or timber fascia.
Why a quality roofline is important.
Not only do fascias and soffits give the roofline it’s finished appearance, but they also have a practical purpose too. These boards prevent rainwater and debris from entering the loft space and creating leaks inside the home. While fascias are not required to uphold the structure of the roof, they help to extend its lifespan by providing additional protection against harsh weather. Choosing the right fascias can therefore support the functionality of the rooftiles and guttering.
Looking to source guttering for your project? Check out our great ranges of PVC, steel, and aluminium rainwater systems today.
PVC vs Wood: Durability & Maintenance
Durability is one of the most important factors when sourcing materials for a project. Providing a long-lasting, high-quality finish for your customers is the perfect way to build up those 5-star reviews and become a trusted tradesperson in your local area.
Timber fascias have remained a popular choice as it is a naturally strong material. When well-maintained, timber fascias can last around 20-25 years. However, it is crucial that this maintenance is carried out. Untreated wood will only last around 10 years, and is highly suspectable to weathering, rot, and splintering. If your customer wants to ‘fit and forget’, then wooden fascias are not the best choice.
PVC is a strong and durable material, making it a great choice for roofline products. While PVC can sometimes initially cost more than timber boards, the PVC fascias do not require painting, staining or sealing. This means that there are no further costs associated with these boards, and they will last for approximately 20-30 years. All the homeowners will need to do is give the boards a clean yearly to keep them looking their best.
PVC vs Wood: Style and Customisation Options
Homeowners, whether commissioning a new build or undertaking a home renovation project, are always looking to create a stylish yet practical house. While images of fascias and soffits may not be at the top of their Pinterest boards, we know that the right finish can complete a home.
Wooden fascias and soffits offer a classic look to a home, especially one with more classic features. Period properties in particularly often benefit from the look of wooden fascias. Alternatively, they can blend seamlessly into cabins and other wooden structures. These timber boards can also be painted to suit the colour palette of the house.
However, with a PVC fascias customers can select the exact finish of wood they love and still enjoy all the benefits of a PVC product. From foiled boards to dyed plastics, there is a wealth of choice available to customers looking to renovate their home. Here at Edge, we offer fascias in 15 different colours and in 4 different finishes. Homeowners can enjoy the classic beauty of a Rosewood or Irish Oak fascia without needing to seal, paint, or check it for wood-rot. PVC fascias offer the best in both customisation and reliability.
Looking for a unique colour or finish? Call us on 0345 021 3333 and we’ll be happy to help you source the fascias you need.
PVC vs Wood: Sustainability & Environmental Impact
As a builder or contractor, it is important to make sure that the materials you are purchasing are sustainable or come from sustainable sources. Often, this means making sure that the product can be properly recycled or disposed of at the end of its life.
Distributers of wooden products should make the environmental accreditation of the wood clear and indicate whether it has come from a sustainable source. As wood is a naturally occurring, it is arguably a sustainable and environmentally friendly building material when cultivated in a responsible way. Damaged or rotting wood can also be disposed of in green waste to decay naturally.
Manufacturers of PVC should also make it clear what their environmental policy is. The great lifespan of PVC products, and the fact that no additional chemicals are required to maintain the boards, does increase its sustainability. PVC products should be responsibility recycled at the end of their use to ensure that no unnecessary waste is being sent to landfill.
Final Verdict…
Although timber fascias do play an important role in some construction projects, here at Edge we believe that PVC is best choice for most homeowners and commercial properties. This is because unlike wooden beams, PVC fascias are lightweight and easy to install. Plus, once they have been installed, they only require a wipe with soapy water to stay looking their best. PVC offers the best in terms of colour and style options, mimicking the look of classic wooden beams while offering a low maintenance finish.
To find out more about our great range of fascias and soffits, and to place your next order, get in touch by emailing [email protected] or call 0345 021 3333. Our three trade counters are well-stocked with both fascias and soffits, as well as the required fascia accessories such as corners and joints. Let us take care of the roofline for you with our trusted service and reliable deliveries.
First published in 2022. Updated for 2025.