How To Replace A Bargeboard

The term bargeboard is used to refer to a plastic or wooden board that is used on the roof apex or gable. Often decorative in style these boards hold the weight of the roof tiles and also the cement that is used to cap the edgings of the roof.

Some properties have profiled bargeboards which are a decorative feature of the building, most however just have a plain timber board that is painted with gloss.

These boards are prone to rot and weathering as they are located on the roof edge and subjected to rainfall, especially driving rain. This often leads to peeling or flaky paint and the need to repair or replace the board.

Bargeboards are in many ways similar to fascia boards, the only exception being the location, fascias are always used at the lower part of the roofline, where the gutter is typically located, whilst the bargeboards are located on an apex/gable. Fascias are rarely decorative whilst bargeboards occasionally are.

If you are able to choose either timer or plastic then I would strongly suggest you go for the plastic option. These boards are easier to install, will never rot and only ever need the occasional wash don with soapy water. It really doesn't matter how much rainwater comes into contact with these boards, there performance is never adversely affected.

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If you are looking to replace them then this site has some helpful info about how to replace bargeboards.

If the cement is secured to the boards then chances are you will need top fully replace this as well. Removing the bargeboards does sometimes disturb the roof tiles on the gable so you should always be prepared to replace the cement. Taking shortcuts such as leaving the existing boards in place and capping over them is never recommended.

Here is how I would typically replace a bargeboard:

1. Remove the edge tiles and set aside for re-use
2. Remove the existing cement and lower to ground
3. Using a hammer and crowbar remove the existing bargeboard and soffit
4. Using a hammer and plastic capped nails, secure the new plastic soffits and bargeboards to the roof joists.
5. Construct a box end section connecting the bargeboards to the fascias at the eaves level.
6. Install a cement based undercloak
7. Re-bed the tiles onto a 3-1 sand/cement mix, point in to leave a neat finish. I usually include some additives to the cement to reduce cracking, especially in summer.

Below you can see a few photos that were taken in 2010, the timber boards were fully replaced with plastic Upvc and the cement completely taken out and the tiles re-bedded on new sand/cement mix. It is never a good idea to just point new cement over old.

I often get asked the same questions repeatedly so here is a selection of FAQs:

Q: Do you remove the old boards?

A: Yes. Always.

Q: Can this work be done from a ladder?

A: Yes, but it's safer and a lot easier to erect a work platform to store tiles, buckets, tools etc.

Q: What plastic do you use?

A: We use 10mm Upvc soffit boards and 18mm Upvc fascia boards on the gable/apex. Both are made by a company called Floplast.

Q: I like timber as I have a period property, can these boards be replaced with timber instead?

A: Sure, just be aware that will need to be re-painted every 5-6 years to prevent water ingress and subsequent rot.