Repairing Guides

how to repair wood fascia board

by Mrs. Bette Leuschke Jr. 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. And ...
  • 2. Nail With Care.
  • 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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Make the cut with the saw tilted at a 45 degree angle. So that our replacement board will line upMoreMake the cut with the saw tilted at a 45 degree angle. So that our replacement board will line up neatly with what's already up on the house that ought to work.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to install fascia boards?

The national average materials cost to install fascia boards is $1.72 per linear foot, with a range between $1.37 to $2.06. The total price for labor and materials per linear foot is $6.22, coming in between $4.90 to $7.54. A typical 125 linear foot project costs $777.21, with a range of $612.03 to $942.39.

How to replace rotted fascia boards?

Replacing Fascia Board When the Drip Edge Is Nailed to It

  1. Mount a ladder or scaffold. Pry up the metal spikes holding the gutter to the roof. ...
  2. Pry up with a cat’s paw or nail puller the nails in the drip edge’s bottom flange where it meets the fascia board.
  3. Pry the fascia board off the rafter ends and the sides of the soffits, pulling the nails out, and discard if you are replacing it.

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Should soffit and fascia be replaced after gutters?

You can even set a reminder in your phone or calendar to check your gutters in the spring and the fall. If you start to notice that your soffits and fascias don’t look quite as beautiful as they did on move-in day, it might be time for a replacement or a repair. Keep an eye out for signs of deterioration:

What is the cost to replace soffit and fascia?

  • 1½” thick insulation* wraps your home in a thermal blanket of protection to help lower utility costs while providing a warm and cozy environment
  • The secure interlocking panel design provides a tight fit and clean, crisp course lines
  • Surface repels heavy rain while its insulating layer breathes freely to keep your home comfortable

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How do you repair a fascia board?

How To Replace Roof Fascia BoardStep One: Inspect the Existing Fascia. ... Step Two: Remove Gutters and Drip Edge. ... Step Three: Remove Existing Fascia Board. ... Step Four: Measure and Cut. ... Step Five: Cover the Seams. ... Step Six: Seal the Wood. ... Step Seven: Install Drip Edges and Gutters.

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.

How do you replace a rotting fascia board?

1:325:45How to Replace a Fascia Board - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this is the area that i'm replacing this was all rotted as where the roof. And water came down.MoreSo this is the area that i'm replacing this was all rotted as where the roof. And water came down. And so i removed that fascia. Board um cut it back about a foot i've cut some new pieces we're gonna

How do you replace fascia without removing drip edge?

0:2216:07How to Replace Fascia and Soffit without removing DRIP EDGE!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull this fascia out and then we'll get that little piece out of there. So then i can just take myMorePull this fascia out and then we'll get that little piece out of there. So then i can just take my next piece slip it back up there make sure you stick around at the end of the video.

How do you fill the gaps on a fascia board?

Start at the end of a fascia board and caulk the corner edge where two boards meet. Smooth the caulk bead with your finger and begin caulking the joint between the fascia board and the soffit (also known as the eave). Slowly move down the joint to apply a steady bead of caulk into the gap, instructs Ron Hazelton.

Is it better to use wood filler or caulk?

Even though wood filler does a great job when filling nail holes and other holes in wood, caulk is terrible because it tends to shrink and cause a divot over time. On the other hand, wood filler isn't the best option when filling gaps in trims, because it takes lots of time for the application and sanding process.

What causes fascia boards to rot?

Leaky Gutters The most common reason why fascia boards rot is due to an ineffective gutter. A gutter system that's old and leaky or has an improperly aligned downspout will cause the excess moisture to back up into the fascia, which will result in rot over time.

What is the best material for fascia boards?

If you are looking to install fascias boards on your own, vinyl material is the best option. Vinyl is also widely used for soffits as well and is an accepted building code standard. It is also very easy to match or complement your siding. It is highly durable and very easy to install.

What is behind a fascia board?

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.

How do you replace wood fascia in a house?

1:076:06Replacing Fascia Boards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStuff kind of scares me sometimes now luckily some of the wood was just so rotten and eaten up thatMoreStuff kind of scares me sometimes now luckily some of the wood was just so rotten and eaten up that it just fell off easily. So I first of all spent some time just hammering. Around on the wood and

How do I install fascia board by myself?

0:000:29How to install fascia by yourself! #shorts #diy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHow to install fascia. By yourself screw together two pieces of wood to make a l bracket installMoreHow to install fascia. By yourself screw together two pieces of wood to make a l bracket install your homemade l bracket next to the edge where the face is going to end measure.

Is drip edge nailed to fascia?

The correct placement of a roof drip edge is on top of the roof's exterior cover directly between the sheathing and the fascia board, which forms a drainage gap between the drip edge and the fascia board. As a result, the drainage improves water flow and protects the roof from potential water damage.

How do I install fascia board by myself?

0:000:29How to install fascia by yourself! #shorts #diy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHow to install fascia. By yourself screw together two pieces of wood to make a l bracket installMoreHow to install fascia. By yourself screw together two pieces of wood to make a l bracket install your homemade l bracket next to the edge where the face is going to end measure.

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.

How do you remove old fascia?

1:056:06Replacing Fascia Boards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I first of all spent some time just hammering. Around on the wood and and pulling off the piecesMoreSo I first of all spent some time just hammering. Around on the wood and and pulling off the pieces that I could pull off that just came off easily.

What causes soffits to rot?

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 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.

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.

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.

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 is the eaves of a roof made of?

Roofing eaves are made up of the fascia and its associated partner, the soffit, or the portion of your overhang to which flood lights are usually installed. I sigh to myself, wishing they had called me before the roofing contractor came out.

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.

Where are fascia boards located?

Fascia boards are located along and under the roof’s edge. They usually bear the weight of the bottom row of the tiles and the guttering system. These boards are usually at a high risk of water damage due to this positioning. For this reason fascia boards rot far quicker than any other wood structure in the house. So knowing how to repair a fascia board is very useful information.

What to do if paint peels off fascia?

If you notice that the paint is peeling off of the fascia boards even though the wood is in tiptop shape, then it’s definitely time for a new paint job. Sand the boards and repaint them to a color of your liking.

What to look for when doing a roof inspection?

When doing your initial inspections also check for signs of damage on other roofing components such as roof shingles, soffit and so on. For a damaged soffit you can use it as a template or take the necessary measurements before prying it off. The same goes for when you are dealing with damaged corners and other oddly shaped sections.

How to remove a board that is screwed in?

Pry away the affected section in small increments to prevent damaging other components. Use a drill with a No. 2 Phillips bit to remove the board if it is screwed in. A cat’s paw tool is also great at prying boards off without much hassle.

Where is the most vulnerable point of fascia board?

The most vulnerable points of the board are at the seams and at the connecting sections to the rafters. Always check the board at points where there are gutter leaks for signs of rot. If the only damaged parts are the lower edges of the fascia board then epoxy wood filler will be enough to repair the damage.

Can you use an extension ladder on a board?

An extension ladder may not be ideal for this project since it would be difficult to position it against the boards. Instead a tall stepladder will be more stable for this scenario. Always place the ladder on an even and level surface for stability.

Can you pull out fascia board?

If you intend to repurpose the less damaged sections of the fascia board, it will be very crucial that you pry it off carefully. Any protruding nails can be pulled out later and the gaps filled with caulking or any other wood filler.

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.

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.

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 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.

What to wear when working with circular saw?

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

Can you pound a nail back into a roof?

Don’t pound the nail back into the roof since it may damage the shingles above it.

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 type of nails should I use for exterior trim?

Always use galvanized, exterior-grade nails for exterior trim. I like to use 2” spiral shank nails for fascia boards. They’re long enough to reach through the fascia and most of the sub-fascia. Plus, the spiral gives the nail a very firm grip in the wood.

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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