1930s house - fascia and soffits advice needed.

Hi all.

We are building an extension onto the back of our 1930s semi in Reading. We have an excellent builder and he has suggested we do something about the existing fascias and soffits as access will be more difficult once the sloping extension roof goes on.

Currently the boards are painted and we were just going to repaint them at some point (they are quite sound). Our builder has spoken to the company doing the windows and doors for a quote for overcladding with uPVC.

I have read quite a few opinions on this on this forum and more confused than ever. Is there not a neutral industry/government recommendation concerning the best route ie. replacement vs. cladding?

We are also concerned that when we eventually sell, buyers might be put off by overcladding - would surveyors be against it?

Other considerations are the fact that is a 1930s house with no felt (loft has been boarded and lined with silver foil stuff) and existing timberwork may have asbestos.

We hadn't planned to do this work and the extension is already stretching us to the limit so we want the cheapest option but without jeopardising a future sale.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

Many thanks
Michelle

There is no performance difference between over-cladding or fitting a single plastic board. There is nothing wrong with over-cladding timber.

Over-cladding is for existing properties, the thicker replacement boards are intended for new build - they save the cost of additional timber.

From a buyers POV, in simple terms, nobody cares as long as it looks nice. Its not an issue in any survey.

The only thing I would add is that, on deep fascias with wide rafter spacing, then there is more potential for the thicker replacement boards to develop a wavy appearance due to expansion/contraction. In such instances the plastic fascia should have a timber backing.

Thank you Woody - much appreciated.