Looking Beyond the Surface: Why Investigating the Cause Matters

Recently, a property owner contacted us with concerns about their fascia boards, which were showing clear signs of rot and deterioration. At first glance, this appeared to be a straightforward repair job, replacing or repairing the affected fascia boards to prevent further damage.

As part of our process, we obtained several quotes for the repair work and advised the owner that once scaffolding was in place, we would take the opportunity to inspect the area more closely to identify any underlying issues. Experience has taught us that visible damage is often a symptom rather than the root cause.

Once access was available, it became clear that the problem ran deeper. The roof felt had been laid incorrectly, allowing moisture to track behind the fascia boards over time. This persistent exposure to water was the real reason the timber had begun to rot.

Rather than simply repairing the visible damage, we addressed the source of the problem. The roof felt was correctly relaid, the roofline was tidied and made weather-tight, and only then were the fascia boards repaired. This ensured the work wasn’t just cosmetic, but a long-term solution.

By taking the time to investigate properly, we were able to save the owner from repeat repairs and provide peace of mind that the issue had been resolved correctly. It’s a good example of why careful inspection and preventative thinking are just as important as the repair itself.