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Repair a soffit.
Rotten or damaged soffits replaced with uPVC or timber — by a roofer with scaffold.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any roofer starts on soffit Repair & Replacement.
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Top tips
Hiring a roofer, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Capping over rotten timber
Cheap installs cap uPVC over the rotten original. Always strip and inspect rafter ends first.
No vent strip
Modern roofs need continuous vent. Old plain soffits cause condensation in loft.
Bird damage
Starlings and sparrows nest behind soffits. Fit anti-bird mesh during install.
Hidden roof felt damage
Inspect roof felt at the eaves — water dripping through felt can rot the joist ends.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and a typical week-by-week schedule.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
uPVC soffit per metrePlain or vented
£10–£25
Hardwood soffit per metrePainted, heritage
£15–£40
Composite soffit per metreWood-look uPVC
£20–£45
Soffit install labour per metrePlus material
£10–£25
Bird damage repairPer area, including bird control
£200–£800
Standard semi soffit replacementBoth sides
£900–£2.2k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
Timeline
Semi-detached full re-roof · week by week
Typical
4 phases · 3 wk
4 phases · 3 wk
W1
W2
W3
Scaffold erection
Strip + felt + battens
Tile + ridge + verge
Flashings + snags
!
Schedule slips on dependencies — pad each phase by 10–20% for real-world delays.
At a glance
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Soffits close the underside of the roof eaves — the horizontal board between the fascia and the wall. Damaged or rotten soffits cause damp at the eaves and provide entry points for birds and pests. Expect to pay £15–£40 per metre for UK soffit replacement.
What Does the Work Involve?
Old soffits removed, exposing the joist or rafter ends. Inspected for rot — sometimes the underside of the roof felt is also damaged. New soffit board fitted: plain (no ventilation) or vented (with continuous 10mm vent strip or perforated panel) depending on roof ventilation requirements. Edges sealed against the wall and supported under the fascia. Often combined with fascia and gutter renewal.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC soffit per metre | 10 | 25 | Plain or vented |
| Hardwood soffit per metre | 15 | 40 | Painted, heritage |
| Composite soffit per metre | 20 | 45 | Wood-look uPVC |
| Soffit install labour per metre | 10 | 25 | Plus material |
| Bird damage repair | 200 | 800 | Per area, including bird control |
| Standard semi soffit replacement | 900 | 2,200 | Both sides |
| Detached soffit replacement | 1,500 | 3,500 | 4 elevations |
How Long Does It Take?
Semi-detached: 2–3 days. Detached: 4–5 days. Plus scaffolding time.
DIY or Professional?
Professional. Working at Height, plus the soffit is structurally part of the roof eaves system.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
NFRC member or specialist roofline contractor. Insist on vented soffit (10mm continuous vent strip) for proper roof ventilation. Confirm whether scaffold is included in quote.
UK Regulations
Roof ventilation requirement (Part F). Listed buildings: heritage materials may be required.
Common Problems
- Capping over rotten timber: Cheap installs cap uPVC over the rotten original. Always strip and inspect rafter ends first.
- No vent strip: Modern roofs need continuous vent. Old plain soffits cause condensation in loft.
- Bird damage: Starlings and sparrows nest behind soffits. Fit anti-bird mesh during install.
- Hidden roof felt damage: Inspect roof felt at the eaves — water dripping through felt can rot the joist ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
uPVC or hardwood soffit?
uPVC for low maintenance and modern homes. Hardwood for heritage character — needs repaint every 5–7 years.
How do I know my soffits need replacing?
Visible rot, sagging, holes (often bird entry), water staining underneath. Tap with a finger — should sound solid.
Vented or plain soffit?
Vented (continuous 10mm strip or perforated panel) — required by modern Building Regs. Plain only acceptable in non-insulated unheated structures.
Can I just paint over old soffits?
Only if structurally sound. Painting over rotten wood is a temporary fix that hides the underlying problem.
How long does soffit last?
uPVC: 20–25 years. Hardwood: 30+ years if properly maintained.
Will this stop birds nesting?
Yes — quality install with anti-bird mesh and proper sealing eliminates nesting points. Periodic visual check during gutter cleans.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
NEWAI Trade Assistant
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