Fix a Rotting Soffit in 7 Steps
- Determine the type and extent of the deterioration. The first and most obvious step is to look for rotten wood.
- Plan the repairs. There are four basic types of repair techniques: wood Dutchman (a patch), lap-joint splice,...
- Design and lay out the joint. Now that I know the conditions of the board in detail, I can design an...
- Remove 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.
How to replace a roof soffit board?
- Remove any guttering suspended directly in front of the opening to the aluminum soffit panels.
- Pry off the nails with a pry bar or unscrew the screws holding the fascia covering in place.
- Remove the screws holding the soffit panels to the underside of the roof.
- Things You Will Need.
- Tips.
- Warnings.
- About the Author.
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 fix sagging soffit?
How to Fix the Soffit and Fascia on a House
- Measure the width of the fascia and add 1 inch. The extra inch is to provide a lip at the bottom for the installation of the soffit plywood.
- Place one of the pieces of poplar flat against the fascia, flush on one end. ...
- Drive a series of 2-inch screws through the poplar, pulling it tight against the fascia to remove warps.
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 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.
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 repair a rotting fascia board?
2:074:27How to Replace a Fascia Board and Repair Water Damage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat 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.
How do I fix my soffit trim?
9:4716:07How to Replace Fascia and Soffit without removing DRIP EDGE!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTight before you cut your piece make sure you have the right groove lined. Up this has a quarterMoreTight before you cut your piece make sure you have the right groove lined. Up this has a quarter inch on the top. And the 3 8 on the bottom that's what i want i want to match up with my 3 8.
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 seal a hole in soffit?
How to Fix Holes in Your Wooden SoffitMeasure from the lip on the front of the soffit to the exterior siding of the house. ... Cut a piece of 3/8-inch plywood with a table saw, for the section you wish to patch.Apply paint to the plywood as needed to match the existing paint on the soffit.More items...
Why is my soffit 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.
Can you use wood filler on fascia board?
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.
How long do wooden soffits last?
Well installed and maintained wooden fascia can last for up to 20 or 30 years, before they start deteriorating. Although some might need replacing within 5 to 10 years.
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.
What is difference between soffit and fascia?
The soffit helps regulate your home's temperature, allowing your roof to “breathe.” Cool, dry air is drawn into the soffit vent, and hot moist air is forced out of roof exhaust vents. The fascia is the attractive board along the side of the overhang and the roof that helps your roof appear finished.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is soffit board?
The soffit is the underside of a roof’s overhang that seals the attic and finishes the eave. It is constructed from quarter-inch plywood on most homes.
Can a leaky gutter cause rotting?
Leaking gutters over time cause rotting in the soffit, as well as the facia and molding. Bees, squirrels, and nesting birds can also damage the eaves. Regardless of the cause, you don’t need to call a repairman to fix the problem. You can follow these simple steps. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.
Can you replace soffit from a ladder?
You can replace the old soffit from a ladder, but be sure it is level and stationary. If possible, have another person nearby for handling long gutters and fascia boards. Wear safety glasses when working overhead to protect your eyes from falling debris.
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.
What Are Soffit and Fascia Boards?
Many homeowners confuse the two, but the difference between them is quite clear. Both soffit and fascia boards act as cladding for the overhang of your roof. Whilst fascia boards face outwards, the soffit board is tucked underneath, protecting the underside of your roofline. Incidentally, the overhang is also where guttering is usually placed. Fascia boards are fixed directly onto the end of the roof trusses, whereas soffit boards are connected to the underside of the timber.
What is soffit board made of?
Nowadays, most soffit boards are made from UPVC. This is thanks to the material’s unbeatable combination of value for money, longevity, and ability to resist harsh weather far better than traditional timber. Soffit boards should be fixed to the underside of your timber rafter ends. Some will come with fixings provided, or have specialised fixings available to purchase separately, while others can be secured using simple steel nails. Ensure that any gaps between soffit boards are closed with timber and ensure that the back of your soffit boards are resting against the top of the wall.
Where are fascia boards attached?
Fascia boards are fixed directly onto the end of the roof trusses, whereas soffit boards are connected to the underside of the timber.
Can you trim back rafters on a window?
If you have windows nearby, test them to make sure they can open and close properly once your soffit and fascia boards have been installed. If they can’t, you will need to trim back the rafters so your windows can operate fully.
Do you need to replace soffit?
If your soffit and fascia boards need replacing, it’s vital to get it done as soon as possible. Don’t worry, replacing soffit and fascia boards is actually rather simple, and can be done by anyone with rudimentary DIY knowledge ...
Can you break a rafter with a knife?
If they’re fixed using sealant, this can generally be broken with a sharp knife. You should now have exposed the rafters, and this is a good opportunity for you to check for rot, or any other signs of damage. Any rot you detect should be cut away before moving onto the next step.
Can you replace fascia boards?
Don’t worry, replacing soffit and fascia boards is actually rather simple, and can be done by anyone with rudimentary DIY knowledge and experience. We’re going to go into the steps below, along with pitfalls, and things to look out for.
Step 1 – Remove Molding
- 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.
Step 2 – Locate Soffit Seams
- The soffit is usually installed in panels or strips. Trace the seams on each side of the damaged area. Cut through the caulking with a utility knife to separate the individual soffit lengths.
Step 3 – Remove Damaged Soffit
- Use a pry bar to lift out the damaged soffit sections. Watch out for nails lodged in the roof rafters. If you have to cut through the soffit, use a jig saw to cut out a square or rectangular patch. It makes it easier to install the new portion and helps to maintain the stability of the feature. If your soffit is of the tongue and grove type, be sur...
Step 4 – Identify Cause of Damage
- Take some time to inspect the damage. It will help you to determine what may have contributed to the damage. This will enable you to undertake repairs more effectively. The damage could have been caused by some hard impact, small animals, insects or water leakage. Bees and wasps love to nest in the eaves. If you spot any, call an exterminator first to clear them before you work.
Step 5 – Clean
- It is best if you install the new soffit in a clean area. Use a soft scrub brush to clear loose dirt and debris from the area. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Step 6 – Take Dimensions and Cut
- Use a tape measure to determine the size of the area to be fitted with new soffit. Cut out a wooden panel to fit the area. Be sure the wood is of the same type as that used on the rest of the soffit installation. It is important that the wood has similar width and durability to create uniformity in the installment.
Step 7 – Install
- Fit the new soffit into the hole. Secure it to the rafters with a hammer and nails. Apply acrylic caulk to the seams. It is best to apply just what you need. If you dispense too much caulk, it creates an untidy surface and makes it harder to achieve good results when painted over. Smooth the caulk with a utility knife and allow it to dry completely.
Step 8 – Finishing
- Apply a suitable primer for wood over the repaired area. You can then paint it with a color that matches the rest of the soffit.