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. ...
- 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 repair a rotted soffit?
How to Repair a Rotted Soffit 1 Pry off your shingle mold. . Simply remove with a flat bar. 2 Remove the fascia. . Use your flat bar again here. You can reuse your fascia if it remains in tact while you remove... 3 Remove the soffit’s rotting wood. . You’ll likely just need to use your hands to pull it off. If you know (or just... More ...
How do you remove soffits from fascia?
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. 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.
Can You reuse soffits?
You can reuse your fascia if it remains in tact while you remove it. If it splinters, cut a new piece of wood (same thickness and measurements as the original fascia) and prime it on both sides. Let it dry while you work. 3. Remove the soffit’s rotting wood. You’ll likely just need to use your hands to pull it off.
How do you replace a soffit on a chimney?
Remove Old Soffit Pull down to remove the old soffit. Note that a squirrel had built a large nest above the soffit shown here. 4. Remove Rotted Rafter Use a reciprocating saw to chop out the rotted rafter. Cut a replacement piece from pressure-treated lumber. 5. Attach Cleat Use a powder-actuated nailer to attach a 2x4 cleat to a brick chimney.
What can I use to fix soffits?
3:195:19Repair Soffit and Fascia - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm going to have to cut it. Since this is one solid piece I'm going to take it with the saw and goMoreI'm going to have to cut it. Since this is one solid piece I'm going to take it with the saw and go right to here and we'll be able to pull that little piece out of. It.
What kind of wood do you use to replace soffits?
Although unsanded and touch-sanded grades of plywood are often used for soffits, optimum appearance and finish performance is achieved by using panels with Medium Density Overlay (MDO), or textured (such as APA 303 Siding) or sanded A-grade faces.
Can you fix a soffit?
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.
How do you fix rotted wood fascia?
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 you replace old wood soffits?
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...
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.
How do you fix wood under eaves?
0:081:24How do you repair broken or rotted eaves on a house? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy cutting at an angle removing the damaged eaves and replacing it with wood of the same dimensionMoreBy cutting at an angle removing the damaged eaves and replacing it with wood of the same dimension cut to fit the area that you just removed. Since they're under the eaves.
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.
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 I use pressure treated wood for fascia?
It'll last a long time if you have the proper detail on your home. But pressure treated lumber is not used for fascia boards.
Why do fascia boards rot?
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 to use for a soffit?
While there are a lot of materials on the market for soffits, only fiber cement resists moisture, insect activity, cracking, chipping, and fading. This makes it a better material overall for your home's exterior.
What is the best wood for fascia boards?
Many different types of wood are suitable for fascia boards. Spruce, pine and fir are all popular and relatively inexpensive options. However, some roofers prefer to use cedar, cypress or redwood for fascia boards. While they are more expensive, these woods better resist moisture, even when left unsealed.
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 kind of wood is used for eaves?
All About Eave Eaves are simple boxes. The bottom -- or soffit -- where the damage is, is typically thin plywood, usually 1/4-to-3/8-inch-thick. It's cut in long sections and butt-jointed together with a thin piece of plastic molding that slips over both ends forming a joint.
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.
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 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.
Why does paint peel off wood?
Paint peeling down to bare wood [A] indicates there has been a high concentration of moisture in the wood, perhaps enough to support the growth of fungus. Poke into the wood with a sharp awl or ice pick to discover soft, decayed wood at the surface.
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.
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.
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.
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.