If your fascia boards are due for replacement, you'll face a choice that most people haven't had to think about before: uPVC or timber? Both have genuine advantages and real drawbacks. The right answer depends on your property, your priorities and — in some cases — what your local planning authority will allow.
Here's an honest comparison based on what we see day to day on Derby and Derbyshire properties.
| Factor | uPVC | Timber |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 20–35 years | 30–40+ years if maintained |
| Maintenance | None required | Repaint every 5–7 years |
| Rot risk | None | High if paint fails |
| Installation cost | Mid-range | Similar or slightly higher |
| Long-term cost | Lower (no maintenance) | Higher (periodic repainting) |
| Appearance | Clean, modern | Traditional, period-appropriate |
| Repairability | Section replacement only | Can be filled, patched, repainted |
| Cold weather | Becomes brittle over time | Can crack if moisture is trapped |
| Period properties | Can look wrong | Appropriate, often required |
| Environmental impact | PVC production; hard to recycle | Renewable, but requires treatment chemicals |
uPVC is the practical choice for the majority of Derby homes. It requires absolutely no ongoing maintenance beyond an occasional clean, never rots, and the quality of modern profiles has improved considerably — they're less obviously plasticky than first-generation boards from the 1990s.
The main advantages in practice:
On an older Derby property — particularly in areas like Hartington Street conservation area, Littleover or around Allestree — the proportions and profile of the original timber fascia often suit the building in a way that uPVC simply doesn't. Planning restrictions may also make the choice for you.
The genuine advantages of timber:
The honest caveat: timber only achieves these advantages with consistent maintenance. A timber fascia that hasn't been painted in 10 years is far more likely to fail than a 20-year-old uPVC board on the same house.
Yes — if the timber beneath is sound. uPVC capping board is fitted directly over the existing timber, which saves the cost of removing and disposing of the old boards and can be a good option when the timber is fundamentally solid but the paintwork has deteriorated.
Important: capping over rotten timber just delays the problem — the rot continues underneath and eventually the fixings fail. Any installer who suggests capping over boards without first checking their structural condition properly should be treated with caution.
Most fascia replacements don't require planning permission — they fall under permitted development. Exceptions include:
Derby City Council's planning department can advise quickly on whether your property has any restrictions. It's always worth checking before ordering materials.
For most Derby semis and detached houses built from the 1970s onwards: uPVC. The zero-maintenance benefit is real and significant over a 20-year ownership period.
For Victorian terraces, Edwardian semis or any property where appearance matters and you're prepared to maintain it: timber, properly primed and painted, will look better and last longer if you keep up with it.
If you're unsure, we're happy to give you an honest opinion when we're on-site — it costs nothing and there's no obligation.
We can inspect and advise during a regular clean visit — no hard sell, just a straight assessment of what your property needs.
For most modern properties, yes — it requires no painting, doesn't rot, and lasts 20–35 years. Timber is the better choice for period properties or where planning restrictions apply.
uPVC typically lasts 20–35 years. Well-maintained timber can last 30–40+ years, but requires repainting every 5–7 years. Poorly maintained timber can fail in under 10 years.
Yes, if the timber is structurally sound. If the timber is rotten or soft, it must be replaced rather than capped — capping over rot allows the deterioration to continue underneath.