When you’ve got a rotting fascia board, soffit, or wood around your gutters, there are a number of things that could be going wrong. This blog post will cover some of the causes of soffit and fascia issues plus the average cost of repair.
Common Soffit Issues
Rot Damage - Without proper care and maintenance, wooden soffits are vulnerable to the effects of moisture intrusion. Roof issues can run downward and show up at the soffit. If the transition from the roof to the fascia isn’t done properly or if water has gotten behind the water protection measures higher up on the roof, it can show up at the soffit. You should never see water coming from your soffit. If you do, it is time to address a leak.Animal Intrusions - Birds and other small animals may gain access to the attic through the soffits and form nests there. This is one other reason you should make sure the soffits are properly installed. Proper spacing can prevent small animals from gaining access without preventing ventilation to your attic.
If you notice any of the problems listed above on your home, it’s recommended that you call a professional to inspect the problem and repair any issues with your soffit.
Common Roof Fascia Issues
Fascia is one of the most vulnerable areas of the home to water damage due to its location at the edge of the roof and the complexity of transition. The transition between the roof and the fascia is key to water control. It is vulnerable to water running off the roof in a couple of areas. Some common things that contribute to fascia rot are:
- The roofing does not extend far enough past the fascia board. Water can stick to the edge of shingles and wrap back to the fascia board, so you need a good overlap to help ensure water is not drenching the fascia board causing decay.
- In addition to roofing that extends over the fascia far enough, it is a good idea to have a drip edge installed so that water that would otherwise hit the fascia falls onto the drip edge and safely away from the fascia board. This is one area where certain kinds of gutter covers can act as their own drip edge to keep water away from the fascia.
- Overflowing gutters can also cause fascia damage. As water backs up, it can overflow into the gutter and wrap around to the fascia. Reasons for gutters to overflow are numerous – lack of maintenance, clogged valleys, downspouts, or even clogged underground drains.
- Lastly, the transition from the roof to the fascia is sometimes a very tricky one. It must be done properly to avoid water going where you didn’t intend it. Even roof leaks higher on the roof can run down the roof decking or vapor barrier and cause issues at the fascia.
How Much Does Soffit and Fascia Repair Cost?
The average fascia or soffit repair job can cost $2,300, but most repair jobs can range between $600 and $6,000 or higher.
If you need a professional to take a look at your roof, fascia, or soffit, give Chimneys Plus a call or click the button below to get a free estimate. We have an extensive 3 step process for identifying and repairing leaks to the roof or repairing soffit and fascia problems.