This recent project in Doddinghurst involved full replacement of the fascia, soffit and guttering to the front of the main property, along with the separate garage. The work also included replacing the cement verges on two sides of the garage roof.
Roofline work like this often looks simple from ground level, but once the existing materials are removed, it becomes clear why doing it properly matters.
Removing the Existing Roofline
We started by removing all of the existing fascia, soffit and guttering, including all necessary downpipes. This exposed the rafter feet, allowing us to check their condition.
If any rafter ends were found to be rotten, they were repaired to provide a solid fixing point for the new installation. There’s no sense fitting new fascia boards onto timber that won’t hold them properly. Taking the time to inspect and repair at this stage helps the new roofline sit correctly and perform as it should.
Installing New uPVC Fascia and Soffit
Once the preparation was complete, the new materials were fitted:
- 18mm white uPVC fascia boards
- 10mm white uPVC soffit boards
All fascia boards were ventilated at the eaves. Drip trays and bird combes were fitted where necessary.
Ventilation at eaves level plays an important part in roof performance. It allows airflow into the roof space while keeping unwanted access points sealed off. Drip trays help direct water into the guttering rather than allowing it to track back behind the fascia.
The result is a clean, neat roofline that frames the property properly and supports the roof structure as intended.
New Black Round Guttering and Downpipes
The old guttering was replaced with black round guttering and matching downpipes.
Black guttering often gives a sharp finish against white fascia and soffit, particularly on properties with brickwork or rendered walls. As with all guttering replacements, correct alignment and secure fixing are key so that water runs freely to the outlets and downpipes.
This forms part of the wider roofline work SM Roofline regularly carries out across Essex and Hertfordshire, including areas such as Brentwood, Ongar, Chelmsford, Romford, Harlow, Epping, Bishops Stortford and Sawbridgeworth.
Cement Verge Replacement to the Garage
Alongside the fascia and guttering replacement, we removed and replaced the cement verges on both sides of the garage roof.
Identifying the Issue
It was clear that the left-hand verge was too short. There wasn’t enough overhang, which can lead to ongoing problems over time. To correct this, an additional half tile was added to create sufficient overhang and eliminate the issue going forward.
Right-Hand Verge
On the right-hand side, we:
- Removed all existing cement, including the undercloak
- Replaced the undercloak
- Re-bedded the tiles using a 3:1 sand and cement mix with the appropriate additives
This gave a fresh, properly bedded verge with secure tile support.
Left-Hand Verge
The left-hand side required further adjustment:
- An extra row of tiles was removed
- Extra battens were added from the nearest rafter
- The battens were set to overhang the verge and rendering
- Additional tiles were cut in at the front and rear of the verge
- Tiles were then re-bedded using sand and cement
By extending the overhang and correcting the tile layout, the verge now sits as it should and avoids the problems caused by the previous short finish.
Access, Clean-Up and Completion
All work was completed using our own access equipment.
As with every job, the property was left clean and tidy, and all removed materials and waste were taken away.
Roofline Work Across Essex and Hertfordshire
Fascia, soffit and guttering replacement is a key part of maintaining a property’s exterior. SM Roofline carries out roofline work, cladding, flat roofing including GRP and EPDM, and uPVC windows and doors across Doddinghurst and surrounding areas including Braintree, Enfield, Saffron Walden and beyond.
Each property is different, and careful preparation makes all the difference to the final result.
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📧 Email: info@smroofline.com
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