Wood vs PVC Fascia: Which is Best?
If the exterior of your home is due an upgrade, you may be considering replacing your fascia to improve the overall appearance. Many homes have had more traditional wood fascia replaced with PVC fascia, a very popular alternative. Wood is a natural fibre, whereas PVC is a durable plastic material that is now commonly used to manufacture windows and doors, meaning it’s also ideal for fascia and soffit. But which should you go for? We’ve summarised some pros and cons to help you decide.
What is Fascia?
Fascia serve a vital function in the protection of your home. They connect your roof tiles to the outer edge of your walls, forming a visual trim that outlines your roof. However, fascia does more than meets the eye. It stops moisture from the outside entering your home, helping to avoid issues such as mould and mildew.
Durability
As wood is a natural material it tends to wear over time, which can also lead to rotting. When the wood rots, your roof and home can be exposed if not repaired or replaced. As well as this, rotting wood can be an eyesore, whether that be for you or if you’re selling your property, for potential buyers. PVC fascia doesn’t wear in the same way but does need to be cleaned more regularly, especially if white.
Colour options
Wooden fascia can be painted any colour you like! As long is the paint you choose is intended for exteriors and is water resistant, you can be as creative as you like. However, wood fascia tends to chip over the course of a few years due to weather conditions, so bear in mind that you will need to touch these up every few years to ensure they look their best. PVC however, can be bought in an array of colours now and need minimal maintenance to sustain their colour. You can also find a variety of textures and finishes nowadays, from matte to shine and even ‘wood effect’. However, if you’re wanting an obscure shade of pink, you might be out of luck!
Personal preference
At the end of the day, the decision also comes down to your personal visual preference too. If your home is visually a more traditional looking property, wooden fascia may work better for the overall aesthetic. PVC windows are potentially less maintenance, but visually look more modern in most cases. Whereas if you already have, or are planning on updating your windows and doors to PVC windows and doors, it might make sense for your fascia to match, creating a more cohesive look.