Replace Rotten Trim, Fascia, and Soffit

Trim, fascia boards and soffits are an ongoing maintenance problem on most structures because they are exposed to the weather constantly and the correct repair for each is different.

Finding the Cause

The first step in the repair of these items is to determine what is causing the damage. In the case of trim it can be water or the sun or both, fascia is most often damaged because of poor maintenance and soffits are often damaged by water. Not much can be done about the sun but proper maintenance can help in the protection from water. Water gets behind trim and fascia because the flashing or caulking has failed and water damages soffits because of failure of flashing, bad gutters or roof leaks. Finding the source of the leaks is not easy and a professional contractor should be used to determine the cause of the damage before repairs are made.

Repairing Trim

Repairing rotten trim requires removing all rotten trim before doing any repairs and checking to see if there is a solid surface behind the trim to re-nail the new trim into. If the backing is damaged that also needs to be replaced or the new trim will fail very quickly. After a solid surface is achieved the new trim needs to be cut to exact size and primed on all sides before being installed ( if the new trim is along a roof line there may be a drip edge problem that needs to be addressed, your contractor will know what to do). When the primer coat is dry, re-nail the new trim carefully to a solid surface and repaint the trim to match existing trim.

Repairing Fascia

Fascia boards run along the edge of the roof and are designed to hide the rafter tails. Fascia boards should butt against drip edges if they are installed properly. Fascia boards need to be cut to size and then primed before installing. They are usually nailed to the end of the rafter tails. Fascia boards usually have angles that must be precisely cut to fit correctly and a skilled carpenter will know how to this. Installation needs to be precise as the soffit will butt against them from underneath and you do not want gaps.

Repairing Soffits

Replacing rotten soffits is the work of skilled contractors as the soffits must be cut dead-on and blind nailed into rafter tails and butt up against some sort of siding on the structure. The replacement soffit boards need be painted on all sides before installing. Finished soffits are finish carpenter work as they are the most visible piece of the roof overhang and are part of the aesthetic design of the structure. Soffit replacement is slow going work best done from scaffolding as they are nailed overhead.

Why You Need A Professional Contractor

Replacing rotten trim, fascia boards and soffits is exact work that requires a lot of planning and problem solving if done correctly and professional contractors have the tools and knowledge to do this kind of repair and do it right the first time. Choose a professional, licensed contractor who can provide you with references and check the references before you hire the contractor.