Roof Soffit Repair: Advice From a Pro
- Remove Shingle Mold Pry the narrow shingle mold from the fascia using a flat bar. If it comes off without splitting, reuse it later.
- Remove Rotted Fascia Remove the rotted section of fascia. Be careful not to damage any nearby roof shingles or flashing.
- Remove Old Soffit Pull down to remove the old soffit. Note that a squirrel had built a large nest above the soffit shown here.
- Remove Rotted Rafter Use a reciprocating saw to chop out the rotted rafter. Cut a replacement piece from pressure-treated lumber.
- Attach Cleat Use a powder-actuated nailer to attach a 2x4 cleat to a brick chimney. The cleat helps support the new overhang.
- Attach New Rafter Clamp a 1-by backing board in place and screw the new rafter to it. Screw the rafter to the chimney cleat as well.
- Seal Replacement Soffit Protect the edges of the plywood soffit from water penetration with a waxy sealer, such as AnchorSeal.
- Attach Replacement Soffit Fasten the plywood soffit to the underside of the eave or rake after priming both the top and bottom surfaces.
- Replace Crown Molding Replace the section of crown molding along the wall of the house directly beneath the rear edge of the new soffit.
- Attach Replacement Fascia Slide the new fascia into place, then attach it with galvanized nails. Set the nails and putty the holes.
- Attach Shingle Mold
Full Answer
How do you remove a soffit without damaging it?
because spills that have been left for days will be much harder to remove. Step 2: Prepare your cleaning solution. When it comes to cleaning a glass stove top without doing any damage, white vinegar is your best bet. Fill a spray bottle with an equal mix ...
How to repair damaged soffit on Your House?
Soffit and Fascia Repair 1. Remove Shingle Mold. Pry the narrow shingle mold from the fascia using a flat bar. If it comes off without splitting, reuse it later. 2. Remove Rotted Fascia. Remove the rotted section of fascia. Be careful not to damage any nearby roof shingles or flashing. 3. Remove Old Soffit. Pull down to remove the old soffit.
How to vent a roof without a soffit?
The two most common options are to:
- Install low gable vents located above the top level of the attic ceiling insulation
- Use “eye-brow” vents that are on the top of the sloping roof surface near the soffit/eave area.
- Focus on the other ventilation you have in the attic.
How to install soffit to a gable roof?
How to Install Soffit to a Gable Roof
- Measure. Measure the total perimeter of your roofline at the eaves from corner to corner. ...
- Cut the Material. Once you have taken the measurements, it’s time to start making your cuts. ...
- Prefit. ...
- Perform Final Assembly. ...
How do you repair a roof soffit?
Soffit and Fascia RepairRemove Shingle Mold. Pry the narrow shingle mold from the fascia using a flat bar. ... Remove Rotted Fascia. Remove the rotted section of fascia. ... Remove Old Soffit. Pull down to remove the old soffit. ... Remove Rotted Rafter. ... Attach Cleat. ... Attach New Rafter. ... Seal Replacement Soffit. ... Attach Replacement Soffit.More items...
Can you patch soffit?
Add nailing strips at the edges of the hole in the soffit, fastening to the rafters or rafter lookouts. Measure the hole carefully, and cut a patch to fit. The patch should be slightly smaller than the hole, to allow for expansion. Care should be taken to match a tongue and groove patch to the existing soffit.
How do you fix rotted wood soffits?
The good news is that you won't even need to climb on top of your roof to fix your soffit!Pry off your shingle mold. ... Remove the fascia. ... Remove the soffit's rotting wood. ... Take out the rotted rafter (when applicable). ... Install the new rafter (when applicable). ... Prepare the new soffit. ... Attach the soffit. ... Attach the fascia.More items...•
How do you fix soffit panels?
0:090:50Soffit Installation: Soffit Panels - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut the soffit with a power saw or tin snips. After the panels have been cut make sure that theMoreCut the soffit with a power saw or tin snips. After the panels have been cut make sure that the grooved side of the panel will accept the tab. Side start installing panels from one end of the run.
What material is soffit made of?
Soffits come from different materials. Some come from woods while others are made of uPVC, wood, aluminum, steel or fiber cement. The first material for soffits is wood. If you want to have an old look for your house, you may choose wooden soffits.
What wood is used for soffits?
Standard soffit material is 3/8- or 1/2-inch-thick exterior plywood in pine (or similar softwoods) or cedar. Common, but much less durable, is Masonite or similar fiberboard soffit, as well as much more weather-resistant fiber-cement.
Why are my soffits rotting?
Unfortunately, rotted soffit is usually caused by leaks that drip down and collect in the gutters and on the soffit boards. It can also be caused by bad weather and pesky animals. Soffits play an important role in your home because they cover the eaves and protect the rafters from weather damage.
What is behind the roof soffit?
The fascia is also known as a “transition trim” between the home and the roofline. The fascia supports the shingles and helps to keep moisture out. Your soffit and fascia protect your roof and allow ventilation for your home.
Can you put new soffit over old?
If you happen to be working on an older home, most contractors and homeowners find that they will need to install their vinyl soffit over top of old wood. This can definitely be done, but you will need to take several precautions to prevent the wood from rotting beneath this new layer.
How are soffits attached?
On narrow eaves the rafter ends serve to fasten the soffit and fascia. A ledger plate is fastened to the wall to attach the soffit at that location. Wide eaves require additional nailing supports running from the rafter-ends/fascia board and back to the house wall. These are called lookouts.
How do you repair aluminum soffit and fascia?
0:024:00How To Repair and Install Aluminum Fascia Cover - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipParts and tools so the parts you need 10 foot by 10 inch flashing rule it has two sides block brown.MoreParts and tools so the parts you need 10 foot by 10 inch flashing rule it has two sides block brown. And white. And then inch and a quarter. White stainless steel trim nails. Some tin snips.
How do you remove a single piece of soffit?
Position the ladder against the house under the soffit on level ground. ... Move the soffit toward the retaining channel under the roof edge. ... Insert your fingers in between the wall corner channel and the soffit. ... Grasp the edge of the soffit with your free hand and pull it away from the wall channel.More items...
How do you repair a hole in a vinyl soffit?
1:313:21How to Patch a Hole in Vinyl Siding in 3 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMaking sure there's no wrinkles. Or bubbles tear aid type B is designed to be used as a permanentMoreMaking sure there's no wrinkles. Or bubbles tear aid type B is designed to be used as a permanent patch on vinyl fabric. But it works on this final siding.
How do you repair aluminum soffit?
0:334:00How To Repair and Install Aluminum Fascia Cover - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome tin snips. And then this is key this is a 12 inch metal folding tool or a handheld metal braidMoreSome tin snips. And then this is key this is a 12 inch metal folding tool or a handheld metal braid that's going to be key for to fold that bottom edge that will hold in your soffit.
How do you replace one piece of vinyl soffit?
3:088:20How To Replace One Piece Of Vinyl Siding (Mid-Wall) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can just simply cut out a piece and cut your new piece of that exact same length it's gonnaMoreSo you can just simply cut out a piece and cut your new piece of that exact same length it's gonna have to be longer because it needs to lap on to the piece down there and lap onto this piece.
Who does soffit repair?
Roofers and contractors can typically handle soffit and fascia repair. Licensed roofers and contractors can usually take care of soffit and fascia repair. These professionals can either repair or replace your fascia and soffit, depending on the specific requirements of the project.
Remove the Fascia and Shingle Molding
The first step to getting to the damaged or rotting soffits on the side of your home is removing the shingle molding, which is a long, thin piece of wood that is located under the edge of your shingles.
Remove the Damaged Soffits
The next step is to remove the soffits themselves. You can pull rotting wood down with your hands or with the crowbar, but if you have vinyl or metal soffits that have been damaged, you may have to use a drill or hammer to remove the attached sheet.
Inspect and Replace the Rafter
If the exposed rafter behind the fascia and soffit is rotten, you’ll want to use a reciprocating saw to cut it free. Measure the missing piece of the rafter, cut a piece of a 2x4 that is the same size, and then screw it into place using a drill and galvanized steel screws to restore the rafter’s shape.
Replace the Soffit
Attach the soffit to the underside of the rafter, screwing it into the eave with the drill and several galvanized screws. Prefabricated soffits that have vents already installed in them have specific holes that you should drill through to ensure that you do not damage the rest of the soffit.
Replace the Fascia and Shingle Molding
If the old fascia has not rotted, you can nail it back into place using your hammer and move on. If the fascia has rotted or otherwise been damaged, which is likely considering your soffit was damaged, you will need to replace your fascia.
Soffit and Roofing Maintenance
If you have any questions about soffit repair or repairing any other parts of your home, feel free to contact us at any time. Our team of experts will be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have, and point you in the right direction when it comes to repairing your home’s exterior.
Inspecting Your Soffit
The first step is to conduct a thorough inspection of your soffit. The soffit plays a vital role in keeping rain from getting into your roof boards and rafters. Water can collect in your rafters if your soffit is poorly maintained. Over time, you may require an extensive repair.
Repairing Your Soffit
Once your roofer has determined the extent of the damage, the next step is the repair. Your roofer will follow a planned-out repair procedure which will include a few steps.
Scheduled Maintenance Is Key
The best soffit repair is no soffit repair. Following a scheduled maintenance program ensures the prevention of costly repairs. A professional contractor will offer a maintenance plan to fit your needs. This will involve regular inspections and minor repairs as required.
The Soffit Repair Professionals
At AABCO Roofing we offer high-quality and cost-effective solutions for any roofing need. Our experienced team will be able to conduct a thorough soffit inspection and repair at your convenience. We are Ygrene certified which offers you safe and convenient financing options.
How do you know if your soffit is rotting?
. The soffit looks cracked and curls under the roof’s eaves, Some wood is completely missing from the soffit, There is water intrusion in your attic around the fascia, Animals have been sneaking into your attic, or.
What does it sound like when you tap on a soffit?
When you tap on the soffit’s wood, it sounds hollow.
What is the first part of a roof to be damaged?
Your whole roof will undergo some wear and tear over time, but—between erratic weather and pesky animals—a soffit is usually the first part of the roof to bear damage. When you notice your soffit beginning to mold or rot, it’s important to take care of it as quickly as possible in order to avoid further damage to your home.
What is soffit repair?
Soffit repair is a fairly common home improvement project for homeowners. The soffit is the material that is fixed underneath various parts of a building. You can use it to complete installation of cornices, stairs, eaves, cabinets and ceilings. However, soffits have a high vulnerability to damage, especially by weather.
Where to find molding on soffit?
You’re likely to find molding where the soffit lies against the exterior wall. Molding is also used to join the soffit with the fascia. Use a utility knife to remove the molding that runs all along the edge of the soffit.
How do I cut soffit boards?
First, with a pencil and a combination square, I mark the soffit boards where I need to cut. Then I cut off the deteriorated end of the board [B] and examine the pieces closely to determine if there is more deterioration to remove, in which case, I mark a new joint a few inches along, cut it off, and repeat the process until I hit structurally sound wood.
How to glue a part together on a scaffold?
Then I glue it into place with an epoxy adhesive. (Any flexible weatherproof adhesive will work.) After spreading the adhesive, I set the part in place and drive in the screws [F] to hold it tight until the adhesive cures.
How deep do splits go?
Often decay and splits are worst at the ends of the boards, with conditions improving further in. Splits usually continue at least a few inches deeper than are first apparent.
