Repairing Guides

how to repair rotted fascia

by Ms. Harmony McCullough I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How Do You Repair Fascia Boards?

  1. Always Choose the Best Wood for the Job. Your fascia boards have an important job in protecting your home from leaks, drafts, and water damage.
  2. Nail With Care. You should always secure the end of the board to a rafter or truss. ...
  3. Use the Right Nails. ...
  4. Paint the Tips of Your Boards. ...
  5. Regularly Clean Your Roof and Exterior Walls. ...

Part of a video titled How to Replace a Fascia Board and Repair Water Damage
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That just loosen the gutter. So we can get the fascia board out a small flat pry bar is the perfectMoreThat just loosen the gutter. So we can get the fascia board out a small flat pry bar is the perfect tool for this job one of the nice things about rotting wood is it just lets. Go so easily.

Full Answer

Who repairs soffit and fascia?

Soffit And Fascia Installation Winter Park, FL. Our many years of experience gives us the expertise and ability to complete soffit as well as fascia repair swiftly. We begin by taking away the wood that has begun to decay and replace it with stunning, high-end lumber. Once the lumber is replaced, we will reseal the wood and eliminate the risk ...

What type of wood is best for fascia?

  • Choose the best wood. Handpick each wood fascia board and make sure it's from a species of wood that's naturally decay resistant.
  • Watch where you nail your fascia. If at all possible, never nail a fascia board near the edge of the end grain.
  • Use the best nails.
  • Paint the ends of your fascia boards.

What is the cost to replace soffit and fascia?

  • Wood: $5-$10 per linear foot
  • Vinyl: $6-$12 per linear foot
  • Aluminum: $8-$15 per linear foot

How to repair your fascia?

There are various strategies that work to loosen up painful knots, such as:

  • Heat therapy: Apply a heating pad to the affected area or take a warm shower or bath.
  • Yoga therapy: See a highly trained yoga therapist to get a regimen of yoga poses targeted to treat your area of pain. ...
  • Foam rolling: Try a foam roller, a cylinder of hard foam that you roll your body over to release tension. ...

More items...

How to repair a fascia that is wet?

Why is fascia so tricky to make?

What to do if untreated lumber is rotted?

What is the most common area for rot on a house?

How to get rid of a board?

What is the key to trim removal?

How to tell if wood board is rotting?

See more

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Can fascia be repaired?

Sometimes you can repair a section of your fascia instead of replacing the entire board. For example, if only a few feet of the board have been exposed to water, your roofers may be able to cut out just that section of fascia, so long as it spans two rafters and can be safely resecured.

Can you put new fascia over old fascia?

Full replacement involves removing the existing wooden fascia and replacing it with a new PVC fascia board. During this process the felt that guides rainwater into your gutter can also be checked and replaced to ensure your roofing performs properly.

Can you replace part of a fascia board?

Luckily, replacing a fascia board is as easy as taking out the old board and fitting a new one in its place. Once you've installed a new board, all you need to do is seal the seams and paint it to match your home. With a short afternoon renovation, you can have new fascia boards that will last for years!

What do you use to patch fascia boards?

5:278:54Repairing Fascia Board - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo these are going to be fixed. We're going to have this house looking good the best wood filler isMoreSo these are going to be fixed. We're going to have this house looking good the best wood filler is body filler I use bondo for these corners.

What type of wood is used for house fascia?

Wood Is a Common Fascia Material Cedar is a popular fascia wood and redwood is another. That's because both of these wood species have some natural rot-resistance, even when unpainted. If you prime and paint the fascia, you can also make them out of fir, spruce or pine, which are all less expensive.

What is the best material for fascia boards?

Wood: Wood is perhaps the most common selection when it comes to designing a fascia board. Wood designs can bring a pleasing aesthetic value to the home, especially if your home has wooden siding. Typically for fascia boards, cedar and redwood are popular choices given their resistance to rot from excessive moisture.

Should I use pressure treated wood for fascia?

Purchase pressure-treated lumber to replace your fascia boards as a way to extend the life of the repair. Pressure-treated lumber is designed for outside applications and resists rot, moisture and insect damage.

How do I renew my fascia board?

0:023:42How to Replace a Fascia - DIY at Bunnings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust using multi grips to pull the clip out. Once we've got all the clips undone it's just a matterMoreJust using multi grips to pull the clip out. Once we've got all the clips undone it's just a matter of rolling the gutter off the clips. So just roll that out.

How do you repair fascia and 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 I use wood filler on fascia?

Filling and Replacing Epoxy wood filler can repair the ends of any rafters that have rotted, as well as the bottoms of rotted fascia, after first clearing out the rot with a chisel.

Can you patch rotted wood?

Can Rotten Wood Be Repaired? Rotting wood can be repaired by first removing any rot from the original board or beam of wood. Once that has been done, you can fill the area with a wood-patch or polyester filler. This material will fill the area and harden to provide strength and durability.

What is behind the fascia board?

Soffit. The soffit board is tucked away under the fascia board. It is usually the board that you see most of from street level. The soffit can be ventilated to allow the flow of air into the roof area.

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 do I renew my fascia board?

0:023:42How to Replace a Fascia - DIY at Bunnings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust using multi grips to pull the clip out. Once we've got all the clips undone it's just a matterMoreJust using multi grips to pull the clip out. Once we've got all the clips undone it's just a matter of rolling the gutter off the clips. So just roll that out.

What is a fascia capping?

Fascia Wrap also know as “Fascia Capping” is basically a protective layer of material that shields your fascia board from water damage. Preventing all water from contacting your fascia board will help it last 2 to 3 times longer than unprotected fascia board would.

How do you replace wood fascia in a house?

2:074:27How to Replace a Fascia Board and Repair Water Damage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then it comes down and that's why we've got the damage right here we'll be able to fix. ThatMoreAnd then it comes down and that's why we've got the damage right here we'll be able to fix. That just loosen the gutter. So we can get the fascia board out a small flat pry bar is the perfect tool for

How to repair a fascia that is wet?

In order to carry out an effective fascia repair, you must first identify why your fascia got wet, and then do your best prevent water from soaking this area in the future. Chipped or damaged shingles can be a common source of water reaching fascia .

Why is fascia so tricky to make?

Producing a new piece can be a little tricky, because fascia wraps around a house. Pieces don’t just need to be the right length. They also need to be the right shape.

What to do if untreated lumber is rotted?

If the untreated lumber is badly rotted (as it is in the picture above), reframe it before you put the new fascia board on.

What is the most common area for rot on a house?

Fascia boards are one of most common areas for rot on a house. Their position just beneath the roofline makes them highly susceptible to water penetration, and once the boards become soaked, they’ll quickly begin to deteriorate. This article will give you an overview on how to carry out fascia trim replacements.

How to get rid of a board?

Use a six-in-one painter’s tool to pry the board away gently at the base. Incrementally work your way across the board in small increments. Avoid prying too hard, too fast.

What is the key to trim removal?

The key in all trim removals is to be gentle. Don’t make more work for yourself by damaging nearby materials with too much force.

How to tell if wood board is rotting?

Actual rot will show up as soft spots or dark cavities in the surface of the board. (Like the one pictured above). Wood in these places will be mushy and pulpy. To test an area that you’re unsure of, use the steps in this Q&A I wrote about rot testing.

What is a soffit made of?

The soffit of a house is usually made from either vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, wood, and steel. It's the roof's overhang and is used to improve aesthetic of your home. It's normally used to cover beams so that they're not completely exposed. But they also work to protect the rafters from various weather elements. If rafters are exposed, there is a chance for mold to grow. The fascia protects the interior of the home and the roof from moisture.

Can you repair soffit?

When looking to repair soffit and fascia, you'll want to be sure to do it the right way. Follow these 5 tips listed above to repair and replace your soffit and fascia correctly. For additional information and related topics refer to our best guide on building soffit.

How to extend the life of fascia boards?

Another great way to extend the life of your fascia boards is to dip the end in a good primer paint. This paint is going to protect the edges of fascia boards from water damage, decay, and splintering.

What Are Fascia Boards?

Fascia makes up the part of your home's exterior trim to which gutters usually attach. Roofing eaves consist of the fascia and its associated partner, the soffit, or the horizontal plane of your roof’s overhang. Often, soffits include holes and vents that help to ventilate the attic and prevent the accumulation of rain and moisture between the layers of the roof, which is why you should repair your fascia and soffits at the first sign of trouble.

How far away should nail be from fascia board?

In a scenario like this, the carpenter usually angles the nail from about a half-inch away from the edge of the fascia board into the end of the rafter or truss and hopes the board will not split. If they’re lucky, it won't—not that day, anyway.

What wood is used for fascia boards?

Handpick each wood fascia board and make sure it's from a species of wood that's naturally decay resistant. Here in South Florida, that means selecting boards that come from the heartwood of cedar or cypress.

Why are fascia boards important?

Your fascia boards have an important job in protecting your home from leaks, drafts, and water damage. And that means they take a lot of injury from the elements. So you’re going to want to select the best wood materials for the job, those that are naturally decay-resistant and can withstand challenging conditions for years to come.

Where to nail fascia on rafters?

This lets you back the nails away from the edge of the board when you nail the fascia to the ends of the rafters or roof trusses.

What does the end grain of a fascia board look like?

These edges are the end grain of the wood. If you look at the end grain under a microscope, it looks like the end of a tight grouping of straws. If you’ve ever used a paper straw, you’ve probably noticed that the straw ends up wicking the water higher than the water level in the glass. That’s just what happens to your fascia board. Moisture that accumulates at the end grain gets sucked up and throughout the entire board.

When does a fascia board need to be repaired?

When does a fascia board need to be repaired? It’s up to you! You may want to get your fascia board replaced if it detracts from the look of your home due to staining, bowing or chipping. You should trust your roofer’s advice as to when your fascia board is too damaged or weak to continue doing its job.

Why is my fascia board damaged?

Clogged gutters, animal infestation in an attic area and other roof problems might leave you with a damaged fascia board. A damaged fascia can be the starting point for other roof problems and potentially lead to damage to an attic and home. So, if you have damaged fascia, it is important to have it replaced.

What Is Roof Fascia and Why Is It Important?

The fascia is a long wooden board that runs horizontally on the edge of the roof. Usually, a fascia is either 2×8 or 2×6. This board connects the gutters to the roof truss. If you cannot see any wood in this spot, that’s likely because your fascia boards are covered with a vinyl or aluminum cap to match your gutter system. Homes that do not have fascia boards at all are rare. A lack of a fascia board is typically against building codes and should be corrected in order to protect your home.

Why do roofers put fascias in their gutters?

Roofers use the fascia to provide a stable mount for the gutters, but it serves other important functions as well. Without the fascia, the roof would have a gap leading straight into your attic. So, the fascia seals off your attic from the weather and animals. It is also aesthetically pleasing, especially when covered with a cap ...

What damage can be done to a fascia board?

Types of damage that may merit replacing your fascia board include: Moisture damage: If your fascia board was left unsealed or without trim, it might be damaged by exposure to moisture. Roof leaks, gutter clogs and other roof issues may also allow the fascia to be exposed to moisture consistently.

What is fascia trim?

Fascia trim (also called fascia cover, fascia cap or fascia board flashing) is a thin sheet of material added to the outside of the board to protect it from the elements. Fascia trim is made from various materials, including vinyl, aluminum and copper. Generally, you want to choose whichever material will match your gutter system.

Why does my roof have black spots on the fascia board?

Black stains from algae may do the same. Cracks: Cracks in the fascia board may develop due to exposure to changing temperatures, to water damage or simply to age.

What Causes a Fascia Board to Rot?

It may also be because the roof is old, or because it has been damaged. If mold, mildew, or algae grows on your roof, it can attract sunlight and cause the overall temperature of your home and roof to increase. Over time, this destroys your shingles which can allow water inside your home and around your fascia boards depending on where the shingles were damaged. If this occurs, we recommend calling a professional who is equipped to eliminate organic material from your roof. We recommend Apex Exterior Washing in Charlotte, NC. We always partner with them on these types of projects and they are good about getting rid of the organic material that is destroying your roof or siding.

How long does it take to replace fascia board?

How Long It Would Take to Replace. A skilled professional can do 8-10 feet of fascia board in 20-30 minutes. An untrained person could take 3-4 hours to replace 8-10 feet. After being replaced it would need to be caulked and painted or the vinyl siding would need to go back up.

What is a Fascia Board?

The fascia board is the vertical board that is directly behind the gutter on your house. It is the board the gutter system mounts to. It is in a horizontal location near the eave where the water runs off. Sometimes the fascia board can be confused with the rake board which runs in a gable.

What is a Fascia Board Made Out Of?

a Fascia board is usually made out of wood. However, in some commercial applications it can be made out of steel or aluminum. In a residential setting, it is made out of wood and cladded with aluminum and vinyl siding application. Sometimes there will be a concrete plank that is applied.

Why do gutters pull away?

One big problem is when the gutters start to pull away because the wrong nails or fasteners were used. When this happens, the water runs off behind the gutter and ricochets onto the fascia board. This is one of the most common reasons for rotting due to water. Using a zinc screw that prevents rust is recommended.

What causes a gutter to overflow?

Clogged downspouts will also cause the gutter to overflow resulting in water damage to the fascia board. Usually the downspout is clogged with leaves and debris. Sticks and larger objects get stuck in the downspout which can cause smaller items to get clogged. Unexpected items such as tennis balls, golf balls, and other objects can get stuck in ...

Why is my gutter clogged?

Gutter Issues. Gutters mounted on the fascia board wrong can cause water damage for a few reasons. Gutter seams, corner miters, and end caps can allow water to pass through. If the gutter is clogged, water can overflow. If a gutter can’t contain the amount of water coming from a high volume area, water won’t be contained.

Why do eaves rot?

And once water has seeped in, the rot spreads quickly because the wood stays soggy inside the dark, dank space. Damage is also caused by birds and squirrels nesting inside eaves.

How long does it take to repair a roof?

2 hours. Roof repairs typically involve replacing damaged shingles and rusted flashing, but the overhang of a roof is often the first area to succumb to rot, peeling paint and other weather-related problems.

Where to fasten plywood soffit?

Fasten the plywood soffit to the underside of the eave or rake after priming both the top and bottom surfaces.

What to do if fascia board is rotting?

If the fascia board is rotting, try to break off as much of the rotting wood as possible before sawing through the boards.

How to loosen a fascia board?

Keep the fascia board steady with your nondominant hand. Hold a hammer with your dominant hand behind your existing fascia boards and start pounding it to loosen the nails. Continue hitting the board until the nails behind it come out from the rafters. Once the board is loose, pull it off from your home.

How to hide seams on board?

Mitered corners hide seams by cutting the ends of your boards to 45-degree angles. Set the angle on your circular saw to a 45-degree angle and trim the end of your board.

How far apart should drip edges be on a roof?

Tip: Rafters are usually spaced 12 in (30 cm), 16 in (41 cm), or 18 in (46 cm) apart on center.

How long does it take for fascia board to dry?

Once the fascia board is sealed, paint 1-2 coats of outdoor primer onto the wood and let it dry for 6 hours. When the primer is dry and evenly coats the surface, use a layer of outdoor paint to help protect your wood and blend it into the rest of your home.

How far apart should rafters be?

Tip: Rafters are usually spaced 12 in (30 cm), 16 in (41 cm), or 18 in (46 cm) apart on center. If you aren’t able to make marks, use the measurement between your rafters as a guide.

What to wear when working with circular saw?

Wear safety glasses as you work with a circular saw so your eyes are protected.

What to do if you don't have soffit?

If you don’t have enough intact soffit to serve as a template, measure the underside of the eaves from one side of the house to the other and mark the dimensions on the new board.

How long does it take for wood sealant to dry?

Brush the sealant onto both sides of your materials, then let them sit until they're dry to the touch. It should only take 1-2 hours for the sealant to dry into a functional finish. Once it’s set into the wood, the sealant will help repel moisture, mold, grime, and other messes, preventing rotting in the future. ...

Can you fix rotted eaves?

Water damage and nesting animals can really take a toll on your home’s eaves, but the good news is that fixing rotted eaves is actually a pretty simple project that you can do yourself.

Do you need rafters before installing eaves?

Since the rafters are a critical part of the eaves’ support structure, it will be necessary to make sure they're in good condition before you begin installing the new components for your eaves. Press on the newly-installed beam to double check that it’s solid and secure before moving on.

Can you damage a piece of wood by wrenching on it with a pry bar?

Be careful not to damage the piece by w renching on it with the pry bar.

Can you miter a replacement piece?

Yes, but you want to make sure you're cutting in at an angle. It'll be much easier to fit the replacement piece if you miter it.

Can you use scaffolding around a roof?

For larger projects, consider renting and assembling a full scaffolding around your roof . A scaffolding will also be much safer to work on, and won't require any additional assistance for support.

How to repair a fascia that is wet?

In order to carry out an effective fascia repair, you must first identify why your fascia got wet, and then do your best prevent water from soaking this area in the future. Chipped or damaged shingles can be a common source of water reaching fascia .

Why is fascia so tricky to make?

Producing a new piece can be a little tricky, because fascia wraps around a house. Pieces don’t just need to be the right length. They also need to be the right shape.

What to do if untreated lumber is rotted?

If the untreated lumber is badly rotted (as it is in the picture above), reframe it before you put the new fascia board on.

What is the most common area for rot on a house?

Fascia boards are one of most common areas for rot on a house. Their position just beneath the roofline makes them highly susceptible to water penetration, and once the boards become soaked, they’ll quickly begin to deteriorate. This article will give you an overview on how to carry out fascia trim replacements.

How to get rid of a board?

Use a six-in-one painter’s tool to pry the board away gently at the base. Incrementally work your way across the board in small increments. Avoid prying too hard, too fast.

What is the key to trim removal?

The key in all trim removals is to be gentle. Don’t make more work for yourself by damaging nearby materials with too much force.

How to tell if wood board is rotting?

Actual rot will show up as soft spots or dark cavities in the surface of the board. (Like the one pictured above). Wood in these places will be mushy and pulpy. To test an area that you’re unsure of, use the steps in this Q&A I wrote about rot testing.

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