Bargeboards - What Are They & What Do They Do?
What Is A Bargeboard?
Bargeboards are the boards fastened to the gable end of the house, looking like an upside down ‘V’ on the edges of the roof verge. The condition of a bargeboard can drastically alter how a house looks.
They are available in a range of different styles, such as bullnose, ogee, square, much like that of the fascia used, in order to match the overall style and fitting type of the roof.
What Does A Bargeboard Do?
Bargeboards are used to give the roof more strength, and to conceal the attached ends of fascia. However, their primary purpose is to make a building look more attractive by covering any exposed areas. This also allows them to protect the building better too.
Bargeboards can be matched in colour to that of the roofing, and they’re available in a range of materials including:
- Metal
- Timber
- Plastic
- uPVC
Bargeboards will keep your roof lining free from gapping and holes and in turn will keep it dry.
Traditionally timber was used when fitting bargeboards, however as it is more susceptible to rot or damage from water/infestation, modern projects incorporate PVC bargeboards due to their weather resistance and strength. But what if you currently have timber barge boards on your property?
Can A Bargeboard Be Replaced?
Bargeboards can absolutely be replaced if they’re damaged, don’t look particularly appealing or add any aesthetic value to your property.
It’s important to completely replace the boards rather than just fixing on top of current boards to ensure they’ll offer the most protection.
Maintaining A Bargeboard
Maintaining is simple, in fact when installed correctly they can be maintenance free. One common mistake to avoid is just laying new boards on top of old boards. By doing this you could speed up the deterioration of the board which will create more problems than if the board were to be completely replaced.