For 10mm Ogee moulded or Plain fascias it is recommended that a timber batten, of maximum dimension 100mm x 22mm should be fixed to the rafter ends with annular ringed nails. This provides adequate fixing for the fascia board while ensuring that the gutter brackets can be fixed with wood screws, thereby satisfying the requirements of the British Standard snow loading tests.

The fascia is fixed using stainless steel, plastic capped nails at both ends and at intermediate centres not exceeding 600mm, two fixings per centre. Where joints occur in runs exceeding 5 metres an expansion gap of 6mm should be provided and the joint covered with an Eavemaster joiner EOJ1/ EJP1.

Internal and external corner joints should also have a 6mm gap and should be covered by the Eavemaster internal angle EOA1/ EAP1, or an external angle EOA2/ EAP2, using Eavemaster silicone low-modulus sealant both sides.

The 18mm Plain or Ogee Plus fascia board, because of its thickness and strength does not require a timber backing board but may be fixed directly to the rafter ends using 65mm plastic capped stainless steel nails at centres not exceeding 600mm. Normal building practice requires a tilting fillet to be fixed to the rafters so that it projects above the top edge of the fascia, thus allowing the sarking felt and roof covering to oversail the fascia.

Where Eavemaster soffit boards, whether plain multi-purpose boards or grooved hollow soffit, are to be fixed parallel to the building, they must be fully supported by a timber framework fixed to the end of each rafter at centres not exceeding 600mm. The Eavemaster ventilator strip incorporates a double channel, which simplifies the joint between the fascia and soffit board. A 6mm expansion gap is required where joints occur in installations exceeding 5 metres, and the joint covered by a double channel EDC1.

When soffit boards are installed at right angles to the buildings, they may be supported at the wall by a single channel ESC1 fixed to a timber batten, which is secured to the wall. Alternatively, a cornice channel ECC1 may be used and fixed directly to the wall. Should depth of the soffit exceed 600mm, a longitudinal centre support is required.

A batten fixed to the rafter ends supports the outer edge of the soffit, which is covered by the return bottom leg of the fascia. Ventilation strips should be incorporated at the eaves at sufficient intervals to satisfy the requirements of the Buildings regulations 1997. Where mitred corner joints occur the use of double channel EDC1 is recommended.

REFURBISHMENT
All existing timberwork should be inspected and any unsound timber should be cut out and replaced with sound timber of similar thickness and strength. Attention should also be given to the sarking felt and, if damaged, should be replaced back to the first batten. The ribs on the inner face of the Ogee or Plain Eavemaster fascia allow for a passage of air between the existing timber and new fascia which helps in the evaporation of any moisture.

The existing timber fascia board usually projects below the level of the soffit board. This may be cut back flush with the soffit to give an even surface in preparation for the new soffit. Alternatively, the timber batten may be secure where the existing soffit meets the wall. This ensures a level plane for the new soffit, while forming a duct where electrical cables and the like may be concealed. The installation of the Eavemaster fascia and soffit may then proceed as for a new work.

FULL REPLACEMENT
When using the 18mm Ogee Plus or Plain Plus fascias to replace old timber fascia, the installation procedure should be the same as if it were a new building. Decayed sarking felt should be replaced back to the first batten, as with refurbishment work. The installation of the Eavemaster fascia and soffit may then proceed as for a new work.