Capping (over-cladding)
A uPVC cover board is fixed over the existing timber fascia. Saves 20–30% and is faster.
Only suitable if the underlying timber is sound and dry. Trapping damp timber behind plastic accelerates rot and voids most guarantees.
A full roofline replacement — fascias, soffits, bargeboards and guttering — costs ยฃ1,500–ยฃ2,800 for a terraced house, ยฃ1,800–ยฃ4,000 for a 3-bed semi and ยฃ3,500–ยฃ7,500 for a detached home in 2026. Supplied-and-fitted uPVC fascia + soffit runs ยฃ45–ยฃ90 per linear metre, plus ยฃ500–ยฃ1,200 for scaffolding. Here is the real 2026 cost ladder by property type, component and material, with the difference between capping-over and full replacement and a worked semi-detached example.
Budget ยฃ1,500–ยฃ2,800 for a terrace, ยฃ1,800–ยฃ4,000 for a semi and ยฃ3,500–ยฃ7,500 for a detached for a complete replacement of fascias, soffits and guttering in white uPVC. Per linear metre the fitted rate is ยฃ45–ยฃ90; woodgrain and anthracite foil-wrapped boards add 15–25%.
The biggest single cost after the boards themselves is access: scaffolding or a powered access tower adds ยฃ500–ยฃ1,200 on a two-storey home. Capping over sound timber saves 20–30% but is a false economy if the timber is rotten.
Full replacement of fascias, soffits, bargeboards and guttering in white uPVC, including scaffolding and waste removal.
| Property Type | Typical Run (linear m) | Full Replacement Cost | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-terrace (2-bed) | 18–28m | ยฃ1,500–ยฃ2,800 | 1–2 days |
| 3-bed semi-detached | 30–45m | ยฃ1,800–ยฃ4,000 | 2–3 days |
| 3/4-bed detached | 45–70m | ยฃ3,500–ยฃ7,500 | 3–4 days |
| Bungalow | 35–55m | ยฃ1,600–ยฃ3,600 | 1–2 days |
| Large detached / complex roof | 70m+ | ยฃ7,000–ยฃ12,000+ | 4–6 days |
Figures include VAT at 20%. Bungalows are cheaper per metre because most work is reachable from a tower rather than full scaffold.
Supplied-and-fitted rates per linear metre, 2026 UK averages.
| Component | uPVC (white) | uPVC (woodgrain/anthracite) | Timber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fascia board | ยฃ25–ยฃ45/m | ยฃ32–ยฃ55/m | ยฃ40–ยฃ70/m |
| Soffit board | ยฃ20–ยฃ40/m | ยฃ26–ยฃ48/m | ยฃ35–ยฃ60/m |
| Bargeboard | ยฃ28–ยฃ50/m | ยฃ35–ยฃ60/m | ยฃ45–ยฃ75/m |
| Guttering + downpipe | ยฃ12–ยฃ25/m | ยฃ18–ยฃ32/m | Cast iron ยฃ45–ยฃ90/m |
Timber needs repainting every 4–6 years; uPVC is maintenance-free for 25+ years, which is why 90% of 2026 replacements are uPVC.
A uPVC cover board is fixed over the existing timber fascia. Saves 20–30% and is faster.
Only suitable if the underlying timber is sound and dry. Trapping damp timber behind plastic accelerates rot and voids most guarantees.
Old timber is stripped out and replaced with new uPVC boards on fresh fixings.
Lets the installer inspect rafter feet and felt, and carries a full 10–25 year guarantee. The only safe option on homes over 30 years old.
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Budget ยฃ1,800–ยฃ4,000 for a full replacement on a typical 3-bed semi with 30–45 linear metres of roofline, including new guttering, scaffolding and waste removal. White uPVC sits at the lower end; anthracite or woodgrain foil-wrapped boards add 15–25%.
Only if the existing timber is completely sound and dry. Capping saves 20–30% but seals plastic over wood — if the timber is already rotting, you trap moisture and accelerate decay. On homes over 30 years old, full replacement is almost always the right call.
No. Like-for-like fascia, soffit and guttering replacement is repair and maintenance, which is permitted development. Listed buildings and some conservation areas need consent if you change the material or appearance — check with your local authority first.
1–2 days for a terrace or bungalow, 2–3 days for a semi and 3–4 days for a detached home. Complex roofs with multiple gables, dormers or cast-iron gutter removal add a day or two.
Yes — it is far cheaper to fit over-fascia or soffit vents while the scaffold is up. Adequate ventilation prevents loft condensation and is required under Building Regulations Part F when you replace the soffit line. Expect ยฃ4–ยฃ8 per metre extra.