Spotting Roof Trouble Early

Spotting Roof Trouble Early

How To Fix A Rotted Wood Roof Fascia

by William Gerard

The fascia board of your roof is a wood sheet secured on the timber rafter that provides support for the eaves. Dame to fascia boards often occur because of moisture, termites, or improperly installed drip edges. If the fascia board on your roof is loose, don't hesitate to fix it, or the damage will worsen. Here are some tips to fix rotted wood fascia boards.

Make an Inspection

For this project, you will need: a reciprocating saw, scaffold or tall step ladder, wood filler, pressure-treated lumber, hammer, safety gloves, safety glasses, breathing apparatus or dust mask, multi grip, flat pry bar, drill, galvanized nails, screwdriver, caulk, primer, paint, and a putty knife. Set the ladder or scaffold on flat ground, and climb it to inspect which boards can be repaired. 

If there are gutters, use a multi grip to loosen the metal clips that hold them in place. Press a screwdriver in the wood to check for resistance. If the wood shows resistance, it needs repairing. Apply wood filler like epoxy or auto body filler in small holes to the area and in the ends of rafters with rot using a putty knife. 

Prepare the New Board

You will need to replace boards with severe damage. Measure the fascia board, and use this as a guide to buying the replacement board the same width, and try to find a board that is pressure-treated. Pressure-treated lumber is weather-resistant and it helps keep insects out.

Wear a breathing apparatus when working with pressure treated lumber, since breathing the chemicals used to make the wood isn't good for your health. If you can't find a store that sells fascia board, or it isn't the right width, use the measurements to cut one from plywood with a reciprocating saw. Pull the damaged boards off the rafters with a pry bar or the claw end of the hammer, taking out nails as you move along. 

Install the New Fascia Board

Adding a layer of primer and two coats of paint will make the board last longer. Secure the board firmly against the rafter ends and roof line butting it against adjacent boards. Hammer a nail in the top and bottom of the fascia board and rafter, and caulk top edges of the fascia and joints between two boards. To fix damaged rafters, cut a two-by-four, and nail it on the existing rafter.

Don't forget to reinstall the gutters after you are finished. Replacing fascia boards isn't too complicated, as long as you follow safety rules, and wear protective gear. If you don't feel comfortable making the repair yourself, or you need a new roof, contact a roofer.


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About Me

Spotting Roof Trouble Early

Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!

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