Roof Soffit Repair: Advice From a Pro
- 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. ...
- 3. Remove Old Soffit Pull down to remove the old soffit. ...
- 4. Remove Rotted Rafter ...
- 5. Attach Cleat ...
- 6. Attach New Rafter ...
- 7. Seal Replacement Soffit ...
- 8. Attach Replacement 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.
How to install Soffit for beginners?
How to Install Soffit
- Determine How Much Soffit You Will Need. Measure and calculate the total square footage needed for the areas requiring...
- Prep the Area. Check surfaces to make sure they are uniform and straight. Reattach any loose boards or shingles that...
- Install Soffit. Insert the soffit panel into the channel. Make sure the panel forms a 90-degree angle with...
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.
What is the cost to replace soffit and fascia?
- Wood: $5-$10 per linear foot
- Vinyl: $6-$12 per linear foot
- Aluminum: $8-$15 per linear foot
Can soffits be repaired?
The best way to repair damaged soffits is to remove the old wood and replace it with new. Before you replace rotten soffits, try to determine what caused the damage and correct the problem. For example, overflowing gutters might be one reason you need to repair your soffits.
How often should soffits be replaced?
There is no definite timetable for replacing a soffit or fascia, but there are some signs that roof repair contractors look for when evaluating your roof's overall health.
How do you replace existing soffit?
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...
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.
Can you replace soffit without removing fascia?
Yes. You can install a soffit without installing a fascia. By using J channels instead of a fascia board, a soffit can be installed under the roof without a fascia.
What's the difference between a soffit and a fascia?
An exterior soffit is located on the span beneath the rafter tails, while the fascia is the exposed horizontal band you see at the end of the rafters. These architectural elements found along the eave area do more than just add visual interest and give a finished look to your home.
Can you put new soffit over old?
Yes clading over your original fascias or soffits is possible, however the original timber would have to be in a good state i.e not rotted, if it is rotted then the timber should be cut out and replaced, once the timber is covered with upvc cladding this will add a degree of protection to the original fascias.
What is the best material for soffit and fascia?
Most roofing and siding professionals recommend that you go with either aluminum or vinyl for your fascia and soffit, as both are more water-resistant, and neither are as prone to rot.
How do you remove a soffit without damaging it?
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 fix rotten wood without replacing it?
Wood fillers are products such as Bondo and Minwax that are designed to be all-purpose fillers for gaps, holes, and rotted wood. Their application is simple, they cure quickly, and they're not supposed to shrink once dry.
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 behind the roof soffit?
The soffit is part of the overhang where your roof meets your siding. When rain or snow hits your roof, it runs down, and the overhang allows the water to flow away from your house. The soffit is underneath the overhang, between the roof's edge and side of your home—the bottom of the triangle, if you will.
How often should soffits be painted?
Wood soffits and fascia boards should be painted every three to five years to protect the wood from the elements. Unless they are made of aluminum, the wood will eventually rot and deteriorate if neglected. Paint fades and breaks down over time, exposing bare wood to moisture, insects, and the sun.
How long do plastic fascias last?
They have been specially designed and made to never rot or lose their colour and in most cases they will last the lifetime of the property. As a FreeFoam registered installer we can give up to a 50-year manufacturers guarantee.
Why is water dripping from my soffit?
Gutter Problems A gutter that is clogged with organic debris such as leaves, or that is damaged so that water does not flow down the gutters as intended, can lead to water leaking through the house's soffit.
How long do wooden fascia boards last?
And in general, wooden fascia board has an approximate life expectancy of 10 years as long as you keep up with regular maintenance.
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.
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.
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.
What Is the Soffit and How Does It Work?
The word soffit derives from the French word for "formed as a ceiling" and the Latin term for "to fix underneath." The soffit can refer to the horizontal underside of an archway, a staircase, or a ceiling, but it typically refers to an exposed surface beneath the hanging section of a roof eave.
How to tell if soffits are infested?
Conduct a spot check in your attic for tell-tale signs of an infestation and look at the soffits themselves. Are they spaced properly? Are there small holes or cracks that insects could make a home in? Seal up any holes or cracks with caulk or mesh and contact a professional exterminator near you if needed.
What are the two most important parts of a roof?
Two of the most important parts of the roof — the soffit and fascia — are detailed below so homeowners can understand how they contribute to the overall structure and the common roofing problems associated with each.
What is the best material for soffits?
Vinyl is the most popular material for soffits, as it minimizes degradation that comes from heat and moisture exposure. This is especially important considering that the soffit can be easily exposed to moisture due to unkempt gutters and wet weather conditions.
What does a roof inspector do?
A reputable roof inspector will give the soffits a good look to see if they have been properly installed.
What to do if fascia board is decaying?
If a fascia board experiences significant decay, you may have to replace it. Fortunately, this is a fairly straightforward process and considered part of normal roof maintenance. Replacement typically entails removing the old board and putting in a new one that has been cut to length. After you have installed the replacement fascia board, seal the joints and paint it.
What are the parts of a roof?
Even if you plan to hire a roofer, it's important to understand the different sections of the roof, from your soffits, fascia, gutters, flashing and shingles. Two of the most important parts of the roof — the soffit ...
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.
How to install poplar on a house?
Place a piece of 3/4-by-3/4-by-120-inch poplar in the corner on the opposite side of the plywood, flush with the end. Repeat Step 9, installing the poplar on the exterior side of the house.
Can you remove gutters before fixing soffits?
If your fascia has gutters attached, remove them before fixing your soffits . Gutters are a constant source of problems, so consider leaving them off. Warnings. Check the eaves for hornets, spiders or other critters that might have inhabited cracks, gaps or holes.
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 sur...
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.