2mm Aluminium Fascia – 3m Length | Type 3

Some eaves details need more than a simple return lip to hold the soffit in place. Where the specification calls for the soffit to slide into a channel at the bottom of the fascia, creating a fully enclosed, rigid junction that locks everything together, the Type 3 profile is the one to use. It adds a third bend to the fascia, forming a U-shaped channel at the bottom that the soffit slides into from behind.

This gives the tightest, most enclosed eaves box of the standard profiles. The soffit is positively held in a channel rather than just resting against a lip, which means better resistance to wind uplift and a cleaner, more rigid junction. On architect specified projects, commercial builds and higher end domestic work across Chelmsford, Brentwood, Colchester and the wider South East, this is the profile that gives the eaves detail a precision engineered appearance.

Product Overview

The 2mm aluminium fascia board Type 3 from Online Metal Store Ltd is supplied in 3 metre lengths with a three bend U-return profile. The top return tucks behind the roof line, and the bottom forms a U-shaped channel that the soffit board slides into, creating a fully enclosed eaves box. This is a step up from the Type 2 fascia (which has a simple bottom lip) and two steps up from the Type 1 fascia (which has an open bottom edge).

Available in 14 depth options from 150mm to 800mm, the fascia is custom fabricated at our Chelmsford, Essex workshop and powder coated in any RAL colour. The finish matches the rest of the OMS roofline system, including aluminium soffits, aluminium copings and aluminium rainwater goods. For the most complex profile with four bends, see Type 4 in the fascia and soffits collection.

Key Benefits

Three Bend U-Return Channel for Maximum Soffit Engagement

The U-shaped channel at the bottom of the fascia creates a positive, enclosed track that the soffit slides into from behind. This is stronger than the simple lip on Type 2 and far more enclosed than the open bottom edge of Type 1. The soffit is held in a channel rather than just resting against a return, which gives better resistance to wind uplift and a tighter junction.

Zero Maintenance Roofline

Aluminium does not rot, warp, crack or peel. The polyester powder coat finish is baked onto the metal and resists fading, chipping and UV degradation. Once fitted, the fascia requires nothing more than an occasional wipe down.

14 Depth Options for Any Roofline

With sizes from 150mm to 800mm, the fascia fits everything from a shallow domestic eaves to a deep commercial fascia.

Powder Coated in Any RAL Colour

Every fascia board is colour matched before dispatch. The finish is consistent across every fascia length, corner and fitting in the system.

3 Metre Lengths for Fewer Joints

Each length covers 3 metres of roofline, reducing joint count and keeping the run visually clean.

Corrosion Resistant for the UK Climate

Aluminium does not rust. The 2mm gauge provides structural rigidity, and the powder coat adds further protection against salt spray, driving rain and prolonged damp.

UK Manufactured with Fast Turnaround

Every fascia board is fabricated at our workshop in Chelmsford, Essex.

Technical Specifications

Material: 2mm aluminium

Length: 3000mm (3m)

Profile: Type 3 (three bend: top return, face, and U-return channel at the bottom)

Available Depths: 150mm, 200mm, 250mm, 300mm, 350mm, 400mm, 450mm, 500mm, 550mm, 600mm, 650mm, 700mm, 750mm, 800mm

Finish: Polyester powder coated in any RAL colour

Manufactured: Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom

Custom Fabricated: Yes, made to selected size and finish

Price: From £53.10 ex. VAT (£63.72 inc. VAT)

Type 1 vs Type 2 vs Type 3: Which Fascia Profile Do I Need?

Type 1: Single Bend (£49.85/3m)

One bend at the top. Flat face with open bottom edge. The simplest profile. Best where the soffit is fixed independently to the wall plate and the fascia just covers the rafter ends. See the Type 1 fascia.

Type 2: Two Bends (£49.85/3m)

Two bends: top return and bottom lip. The bottom lip engages the soffit, creating an enclosed eaves box. More rigid than Type 1 but the soffit rests against the lip rather than sliding into a channel. See the Type 2 fascia.

Type 3: Three Bends (£53.10/3m)

Three bends: top return, face, and U-return channel at the bottom. The soffit slides into the channel, creating the tightest soffit engagement and the most enclosed eaves box. Best for architect specified projects, commercial builds, and any eaves detail where maximum rigidity and wind resistance are required. This product.

Same Sizes, Same Colour Range

All three types are available in the same 14 depths (150mm to 800mm) and the same any RAL colour options. Type 3 is £3.25 more per 3m length than Type 1 or Type 2, reflecting the additional bend and material.

How to Fit Aluminium Fascia Type 3

Fix the fascia board to the rafter tails or fascia backing timber using corrosion resistant screws at 400mm to 600mm centres. The top return tucks behind the roof deck or bargeboard. Once the fascia is in place, slide the soffit board into the U-return channel from behind. The soffit should sit securely in the channel with no visible gap.

Leave a 3mm expansion gap between each 3 metre length. Cover the joint with a colour matched joint cover bonded with low modulus silicone. At corners, use factory formed Type 3 external and internal corners. At the end of each run, finish with a Type 3 stopend. Seal all joints with colour coded sealant and use colour coded fasteners for visible fixings.

Once the fascia and soffit are in place, mount the half round gutter using fascia gutter brackets fixed to the fascia face.

Where Aluminium Fascia Type 3 Is Used

Architect Specified Projects

On architect led residential and commercial projects where the eaves detail is drawn with a specific profile, the Type 3 U-return channel matches the typical specification for a fully enclosed soffit junction. For a completed project example, see the facade upgrade case study.

Commercial and Industrial Buildings

On commercial units, schools, office blocks and apartment buildings, the U-return channel provides maximum wind resistance at the soffit junction. On exposed elevations and upper floors, the positive channel engagement keeps the soffit locked in place under wind loading that would lift a simple lip engagement.

High End Domestic New Builds

On premium domestic new builds across Chelmsford, Brentwood, Colchester and the South East, the Type 3 profile gives the eaves a precision engineered appearance that the simpler Types 1 and 2 cannot match. The U-channel creates a shadow line at the soffit junction that adds depth and definition to the roofline.

Exposed and Coastal Locations

On buildings in exposed positions, at height, or in coastal locations across Essex and Kent where wind loading on the soffit is a concern, the U-return channel provides the strongest soffit retention of any standard fascia profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Type 3 aluminium fascia?

Type 3 is a three bend aluminium fascia profile. It has a top return (tucks behind the roof line), a flat face, and a U-shaped return channel at the bottom that the soffit slides into. This creates the most enclosed eaves box of the standard profiles. Compare with Type 1 (single bend, open bottom) and Type 2 (two bend, bottom lip).

When should I use Type 3 fascia instead of Type 1 or Type 2?

Use Type 3 when the specification calls for a U-return channel at the soffit junction, when maximum wind resistance at the soffit is needed (exposed or high level applications), or when the architect has drawn a three bend profile. If a simple lip engagement is sufficient, Type 2 is adequate. If no bottom engagement is needed, Type 1 is the simplest option.

What size Type 3 fascia do I need?

Measure the vertical depth from the top of the rafter tail to the bottom of the U-return channel. Available in 14 sizes from 150mm to 800mm. The most common domestic sizes are 150mm to 250mm.

Is Type 3 fascia better than Type 1 or Type 2?

Type 3 provides the strongest soffit engagement and the most enclosed eaves box. It costs £3.25 more per 3m length than Type 1 or Type 2. Whether it is "better" depends on your eaves detail. If the specification requires a U-channel or if wind resistance at the soffit is critical, Type 3 is the right choice. For standard domestic eaves, Type 1 or Type 2 may be sufficient.

Can Type 3 fascia be colour matched to my guttering?

Yes. Powder coated in any RAL colour. Order alongside the half round gutter, soffit and coping in the same RAL code for a fully coordinated roofline.

How do you fit aluminium fascia Type 3?

Fix to rafter tails with corrosion resistant screws at 400mm to 600mm centres. Tuck the top return behind the roof line. Slide the soffit into the U-return channel from behind. Leave a 3mm expansion gap between lengths, covered with a colour matched joint cover bonded with low modulus silicone.

Aluminium vs PVCu vs Timber Fascia

Aluminium

Strong, rigid, corrosion resistant, and available in any RAL colour. Does not rot, warp, crack or fade. Lasts 25 years or more with no maintenance. Fire classification A2-s1,d0 (non-combustible), suitable for buildings of any height.

uPVC

Cheaper upfront but warps in heat, becomes brittle in cold, and discolours over time. Darker colours fade noticeably. Poorer fire performance than aluminium.

Timber

Traditional choice but requires regular painting, prone to rot and insect damage, shortest service life. For any project where a long lasting, low maintenance roofline is the priority, aluminium is the better investment. Browse the full fascia and soffits collection.

Part of a Complete Aluminium Roofline System

The Type 3 fascia is one component in a fully colour matched roofline:

• Type 3 Fascia 3m Length – this product

• Soffit Type 1 – flat soffit board and joiner

• Half Round Gutter 3m – gutter fixed to fascia

• Fascia Gutter Bracket – mounts gutter to fascia

• Colour Coded Sealant – joint sealing

• Colour Coded Fasteners – matching screws

The fascia system works alongside aluminium copings, drip trims and the full rainwater goods range. For a completed project, see the facade upgrade case study.

Standards and Compliance

The powder coat finish is applied in line with BS EN 12206-1 for powder organic coatings on aluminium. Powder coated aluminium fascia achieves a fire classification of A2-s1,d0 under BS EN 13501-1, making it non-combustible and suitable for buildings of any height including high rise residential projects over 18 metres.