A bargeboard is a decorative verge board, often openwork, that dresses the roof edge, a porch canopy, an awning or a chalet. It does not replace the waterproofing of the roof, but it finishes the eaves line and gives the facade its character — scallops, volutes, hearts, lace or diamonds. Here is how to choose and fit one, based on what we make and on what we set out on the Delivery, lead times and installation page.
What we offer
Our bargeboard collection comes in 99 cm panels, in three materials: 0.8 mm zinc, 10 mm plywood, or 10 mm white PVC. The panels are butted along the verge; we also make custom lengths when the run does not divide evenly, or when a motif needs to fit a particular bay. The designs range from simple scallops (points, rounded, round cut-outs, diamonds) to more drawn compositions: volutes, a fan, a fleuron, hearts, lace, pendants, volutes with flowers or points.
The pieces are made in France. Like our finials and weathervanes, they leave the Verdets workshop at the foot of the Pyrenees. For zinc (and copper, when the project calls for it), the 10-year guarantee against corrosion applies as for our other metal ornaments; the catalogue lead time remains 7 working days before shipping, except for fully custom work, which we confirm by e-mail.
Choosing the motif
The motif is chosen with the house, not against it. Simple scallops (rounded, pointed, round cut-outs) stay easy to read on a long verge and on a chalet. Volute lace, hearts or pendants suit a porch, a front door, a canopy seen at close range. A fan or a fleuron gives a more architectural rhythm, welcome on a carefully composed facade. If you are unsure, send us a photograph of the verge or the porch via the contact page: we will suggest a model and the number of panels.
Choosing the material
0.8 mm zinc sits well with a zinc roof or zinc gutters. It takes a pearl-grey patina and needs no maintenance. It is fixed with rivets or screws. 10 mm plywood brings the warmth of wood, very natural on a chalet or a canopy with an exposed timber frame; it is screwed, and its finish (paint or stain) is part of the job, depending on exposure. 10 mm white PVC is light, colour-stable, straightforward to screw, and stays discreet on a light facade or a painted porch. The choice therefore depends on the support, on the upkeep you will accept, and on harmony with the roof — the same reasoning as for a finial, set out in Zinc or copper: which metal to choose.
Fitting the panels
The bargeboard is fixed to the verge board, to the edge of a porch, or under a canopy. For wood and PVC, use stainless-steel screws; for zinc, rivets or screws. The 99 cm panels are set end to end, taking care that the motif lines up from one panel to the next. End cuts, corners and special lengths are prepared from the survey: better to give us that measurement when you order, rather than improvising a cut that breaks the pattern.
The bargeboard alone does not waterproof the verge. If the verge board, the drip or the eaves flashing needs to be remade, that is the roofer’s work, before or at the same time as the decorative board is fitted. For any work at height, we recommend installation by a professional. We can pass on dimensions and fixing notes, and answer questions on +33 6 71 26 37 92 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.).
Survey, lead time, delivery
Measure the length to be dressed (verge, canopy or porch) and add any returns at the corners. Divide by 99 cm to estimate the number of panels, then talk to us about offcuts and doorways: we adjust to measure if needed. Manufacture is to order; allow 7 working days before shipping for a catalogue model. On delivery, check the parcel in the carrier’s presence and note any reservation on the delivery note; tell us within 48 hours in case of damage, and we will handle the replacement, as set out on the delivery page.
To see the motifs in situ and in close-up — zinc, wood and PVC — browse the Bargeboards collection. A photograph of your facade, sent via the contact page or to artisangirouette@gmail.com, is often enough to settle motif, material and quantity in a few exchanges.