When installing building products such as guttering, cladding, soffits, or fascias, selecting the appropriate fixings is crucial. Properly installed, high-quality materials enhance the stability and strength of any construction project. Conversely, using the wrong type or grade of fixings can jeopardize the project's integrity. This is especially true for PVC products, where opting for cheaper fixings can lead to significant long-term costs. Below are guidelines for using the correct fixings to ensure your project stands the test of time, both structurally and aesthetically.
Fixing Replacement Fascia Boards
Replacement Fascia Boards (16mm - 20mm thick) must always be installed with 65mm A4 Grade Stainless Steel Nails. These nails come in a range of colors to match your board options. Since replacement fascias are load-bearing and support the entire gutter system, strong fixings are essential. For installation, use two nails at every rafter foot, typically spaced 400mm apart in new builds. For woodgrain boards, maintain 400mm centers.
Recommended Fixing:
Type: 65mm Nails
Spacing: 400mm centers
Fixing Cover Boards
Cover Boards can be secured to existing sound timber fascia boards during refurbishment projects or to a new timber backing board in new builds. They should be attached to the backing timber using two 40mm A4 Grade Stainless Steel Pins at 600mm centers (400mm for woodgrain cover boards).
Recommended Fixing:
Fixing Soffit Boards
For Cellular Soffit Boards (both plain and vented), install using 40mm A4 Grade Stainless Steel Pins. These pins are shorter and of a smaller gauge compared to nails, as soffit boards are not load-bearing. The smaller heads make them less visible. Fix soffits with two pins at 600mm centers (400mm for woodgrain).
Hollow soffits should be secret-fixed to the soffit bearers using 30mm stainless steel cladding nails, with the lip of the board nailed and the fixing concealed by the next board.
Recommended Fixing for Cellular Soffit Boards:
Recommended Fixing for Hollow Soffits:
Fixing PVC Cladding Boards
Cellular Cladding should be secret-fixed using 30mm Stainless Steel Cladding Nails, secured into the battens at centers not exceeding 600mm (reduced to 400mm for woodgrain cladding). Cladding trims can be fastened with either cladding nails or countersunk screws.
Recommended Fixing:
Fixing PVC Guttering
For PVC Gutter fittings, fix them to the fascia board using two 5mm x 25mm (1" x 10 gauge) zinc-plated or stainless steel screws. You can choose either round head or countersunk screws for the installation.
Recommended Fixing:
Type: 5mm x 25mm Screws
Quantity: Two screws per fitting
