What is a bargeboard?

A bargeboard (also called a vergeboard or gable board) is a board fixed along the sloping edge (verge) of a gable roof - the triangular end of a pitched roof where the slope meets the gable wall. Bargeboards run from the ridge down to the eaves on each side of the gable, protecting the exposed ends of the roof timbers and tiling from weather and directing water away from the wall face. They are the gable-end equivalent of the fascia board at the eaves. On Victorian and Edwardian houses, bargeboards were often highly decorative, featuring pierced or carved patterns.

What is the difference between a bargeboard and a fascia?

A fascia board runs horizontally along the eaves (the bottom edge) of a roof, to which gutters are fixed. A bargeboard runs diagonally along the verge (the sloping gable edge) of a roof. They are both edge boards protecting the roof structure but at different locations - fascias at the horizontal eaves, bargeboards at the sloping gable verges. Some properties have both: a fascia with gutters at the eaves, and bargeboards at the gable end verges. Hipped roofs have no gable ends and therefore no bargeboards - only fascias at the eaves.

What are bargeboards made from?

Traditional bargeboards were made from painted softwood timber. Modern replacements are typically uPVC (low maintenance, white or woodgrain finish) or pre-primed engineered timber board. On heritage properties and in conservation areas, like-for-like timber replacement is usually required by planning conditions. uPVC bargeboards have fallen out of favour in conservation areas as their sheen and uniform profile cannot replicate the appearance of traditional painted timber. Hardwood bargeboards (oak, iroko) are sometimes specified for exposed locations or contemporary designs.

How are bargeboards fixed?

Bargeboards are fixed to the ends of the barge rafters (the outermost rafters at the gable end, which overhang the gable wall to support the bargeboard) or to a purpose-made ladder frame (a timber frame cantilevering out from the main roof structure to support both the bargeboard and the soffit at the verge). The top edge of the bargeboard butts up under the ridge tile or capping, and the bottom end returns into the eaves fascia. Fixings should be rust-proof (stainless steel or galvanised) as exposed bargeboard ends are particularly susceptible to water-driven rust staining.

Roofing noun

Bargeboard

/ ˈbɑːdʒbɔːd /

Also known as: vergeboard, gable board, barge rafter board

Definition

A bargeboard is a board fixed along the sloping verge (gable end) of a pitched roof, running from ridge to eaves on each side of the gable. It protects the exposed ends of the roof structure and tiling at the verge, and directs water away from the gable wall. Bargeboards are the gable-end equivalent of fascia boards at the eaves - fascias run horizontally, bargeboards diagonally. On Victorian and Edwardian buildings they were often decoratively carved.

In practice

Bargeboards are fixed to barge rafters (the outer rafters overhanging the gable wall) or to a ladder frame cantilevering from the main roof. The bargeboard protects the verge tiles from being lifted by wind - on exposed roofs a dry-fix verge system (a plastic or aluminium clip-and-comb arrangement) is used in addition to the bargeboard to resist wind uplift. Traditional wet-mortar verges (mortar bedded under the edge tiles) have largely been superseded by dry-fix systems that allow thermal movement and are more durable.

Rotting bargeboards on older properties are a common maintenance issue - water sits in the joint between the bargeboard and the gable wall, penetrates and causes rot in timber bargeboards. Replacement is straightforward: the verge tiles are lifted, the old bargeboard removed, new bargeboard fitted and primed, then re-pointed or dry-fixed. uPVC bargeboards are a popular low-maintenance replacement on modern houses; timber is required in conservation areas for visual match.

Building Regulations

Weather resistancePart C - verge must resist water penetration

Conservation areasLike-for-like timber replacement typically required

Wind upliftDry-fix verge systems preferred for exposed locations

Bargeboard replacement on an existing house is typically maintenance work that does not require Building Regulations approval or planning permission under Permitted Development - the work is like-for-like repair. However, in conservation areas and on listed buildings, changes to the material, colour, or profile of bargeboards may require planning permission or listed building consent. Approved Document C requires roofs to resist water penetration - a properly detailed bargeboard and verge is part of the weathertightness of the roof at its gable edges.

Full Building Regulations guidance

Bargeboard

Just so you know...