What does guttering and fascia replacement cost?

Length of the roofline

Roofline work is largely measured in linear metres. A terraced house may only have a front and back run, while a detached house with a hipped roof, gables and an extension can have several times as much. Bay windows, porches and dormers add short runs that take more time per metre than one long straight length.

Height and access

A bungalow can often be reached from a tower or ladders. A two- or three-storey house, a roofline above a conservatory or a property with limited space at the side usually needs scaffolding. Access is frequently one of the largest single items on a roofline quotation, which is why combining the work with other roof repairs can make sense.

Gutter material and profile

Plastic guttering is the most common choice on modern homes and comes in several profiles, from half-round to deeper square or ogee designs that carry more water. Metal systems such as aluminium or cast iron are heavier, often chosen for period properties, and take more time to fit.

The roof area each gutter serves also matters. A large or steep roof sheds water quickly, and an undersized gutter will overflow in heavy rain no matter how well it is fitted.

Fascias: capping or full replacement

Some installers fit new boards over the old timber, known as capping. It can look tidy, but it hides whatever condition the timber is in. Full replacement removes the old boards so the rafter ends behind can be checked. It involves more work but deals with the cause rather than covering it.

If the rafter ends or the bottom row of roof timbers have decayed, repairs to those are needed before new boards are fitted, and that adds to the job.

Soffits and ventilation

Soffits close the space under the eaves. Many replacement soffits include ventilation to help air move through the roof space, which can reduce condensation in the loft. Wider overhangs, boxed ends and gable details all add to the time involved.

Downpipes, outlets and drainage

Each downpipe has an outlet, brackets, offsets and a connection at the bottom into a gully or drain. A house with several downpipes, or one where pipes need rerouting around windows and extensions, costs more than a simple run with a single outlet. If the underground connection is blocked or broken, that is a separate issue to look at.

Signs it is time to replace rather than repair

A repair is usually enough for one leaking joint or a loose bracket. Replacement is worth considering when you see:

• brittle, faded or cracked plastic along several sections
• joints leaking repeatedly despite resealing
• runs that sag or have lost their fall to the outlet
• soft, flaking or rotten timber fascias
• gaps in soffits letting birds or pests into the eaves

Doing roofline work with a new roof

If you are planning a re-roof, the scaffold will already be in place. Replacing the roofline at the same time saves paying for access twice, and lets the bottom of the roof and the gutter be detailed together.

Comparing roofline quotations

Check whether each quote includes gutters, fascias and soffits or only some of them, whether old boards are being removed or capped, which gutter profile and material is proposed, how many downpipes are included, and whether scaffolding and waste removal are covered.

Rayner’s Roofing repairs and replaces fascias, soffits, gutters and downpipes. We measure on site and provide a written quotation setting out exactly what is included.

Frequently asked questions