Because they support the bottom edge of the roof and prevent water intrusion, the fascia boards on your house are crucial to the protection of both the roof and the interior. Moisture, however, has the potential to deteriorate fascia over time, weakening the structure and opening the door for further harm. Maintaining the integrity of your house depends on replacing deteriorating fascia as soon as possible. You can replace or repair your fascia yourself if you know how to do simple carpentry work. Here are the supplies you’ll need and detailed instructions to complete the task correctly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Inspect the Area
Before starting, carefully inspect all fascia boards around your home. Rot often spreads farther than it first appears. Check for soft spots, cracks, or visible mold and mildew, and plan to replace any sections showing damage.
2. Remove the Old Fascia
Set up a stable ladder and use a pry bar and hammer to gently remove any gutters attached to the fascia. Then, pry off the rotting boards. Be cautious not to damage the underlying rafter tails or soffits. If nails remain in the rafters, remove them with a hammer or drill.
3. Check for Additional Damage
After removing the fascia, inspect the rafters and soffits for signs of rot or water damage. Minor damage can often be repaired with wood filler or epoxy, but extensive rot may require replacing part of the rafter.
4. Measure and Cut the New Boards
Measure the length of the area where the fascia was removed. Cut the new fascia boards to size using a circular saw or handsaw. Always double-check your measurements to ensure a snug fit.
5. Prime and Paint the Boards
Before installing, coat the new fascia boards with primer and at least one layer of exterior-grade paint or stain. Painting the boards beforehand helps seal all sides, offering better protection against moisture.
6. Install the New Fascia
Hold the new fascia board in place, ensuring it is level and flush with the roofline. Fasten it securely to the rafter tails using exterior wood screws or nails. For extra durability, drive fasteners at an angle through the board into the rafter.
7. Seal the Seams
Use exterior-grade caulk to seal any gaps between fascia boards, at corners, or where boards meet the soffit. This helps prevent future water infiltration.
8. Reattach the Gutters
Once the new fascia is secured and caulked, you can reinstall your gutters. Make sure the gutter brackets are firmly anchored into the new fascia.
9. Apply Final Coat
After everything is installed, apply a final coat of paint to the exposed surfaces to ensure maximum protection.
