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 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.
How to install cement board soffit panels?
- Stack cement board panels flat, and cover them to protect them from moisture before installation. ...
- Carry panels on their edge, or provide support to keep the panels from breaking. ...
- Avoid nailing or fastening nearer than two inches (5cm) from corners, as the corner may crack from the force of the fastener. ...
How to replace wood soffit?
Soffit Repair: How to Repair Wood Soffits
- Remove Molding. You’re likely to find molding where the soffit lies against the exterior wall. ...
- Locate Soffit Seams. The soffit is usually installed in panels or strips. ...
- Remove Damaged Soffit. Use a pry bar to lift out the damaged soffit sections. ...
- Identify Cause of Damage. ...
- Clean. ...
- Take Dimensions and Cut. ...
- Install. ...
- Finishing. ...
Where to fasten plywood soffit?
How long does it take to repair a roof?
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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.
How do you repair aluminum soffit panels?
1:2111:22how to repair soffit that continues to blow loose and fall down the simple ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you all you need to do is we put pop the stuff back up in there and run a screw two screwsMoreSo what you all you need to do is we put pop the stuff back up in there and run a screw two screws in every single piece all the way down the flight here I'm missing a few pieces.
How do you repair a rotted soffit?
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...•
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 replace a section of aluminum soffit?
How To Remove Aluminum Soffit Without Damaging ItRemove any obstacles covering the soffit, such as gutters or fascia.Remove the screws and nails holding the soffit in place.Detach the soffit carefully by swinging the edges.Cover the edges and corners of the soffit to protect it.Put the soffit in a safe place.
How do you repair aluminum fascia?
0:523:59How To Repair An Aluminum Fascia Cover - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo let's cover it up with aluminum. But you this can't take aluminum. And put it on the fasciaMoreSo let's cover it up with aluminum. But you this can't take aluminum. And put it on the fascia nailed it into place you have to at least have it designed in such a way to go up up underneath the
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 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.
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...
Can you repair wooden soffits?
Soffit is a critical but often overlooked part of any home, building, or roofed structure. Rot or other damage can cause a wide range of structural problems and other difficulties, but it can be easy to repair a rotted soffit before those problems become major issues.
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.
How much does a box of aluminum soffit cost?
16" x 12' Aluminum Solid Soffit at MenardsEveryday Low Price$33.4911% Mail-In Rebate Good Through 7/31/22$3.68
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.
How do you replace aluminum soffit vents?
1:235:20How to install additional eave vents into exisintg aluminum soffitYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd on this particular house there's wood underneath there too so you have to cut through the woodMoreAnd on this particular house there's wood underneath there too so you have to cut through the wood too so I've cut through the aluminum with a circular saw putting a circular saw blade in backwards.
What screws to use for soffit?
Each soffit vent should have between 8 and 10 holes drilled along the outer edges for screws to go. We recommend ½ inch stainless steel sheet metal screws for each vent.
Fix a Rotting Soffit in 7 Steps - Old House Journal Magazine
On my barn project, I knew I’d have some extensive repairs. Every corner of the cornice had decay and splits in the end of at least one soffit board, but thankfully, the rest of the soffits, running about 160 lineal feet, were in good condition.
Soffit Repair: How to Repair Wood Soffits | DoItYourself.com
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.
Soffit, Fascia & Siding Repair | Mr. Handyman
If your home has damaged soffits or fascia, you need help from a professional handyman. Our home repair experts can replace your siding, soffits and fascia. This won't just make your home look great, it will prolong the life of the building materials. All work is backed by Mr. Handyman's Done Right Guarantee. Learn more.
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.
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.
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.
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 sure to cut along the grooves in the wood.
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.