How to replace Wooden Fascia Boards
Fascia boards are 2×8 or 2×6 long wooden boards that run horizontally on the edge of the roof, typically behind the gutters on a home. Fascia’s are one of the most typical sites for rot on a house; they are of particular importance as they link to the roof truss and offer a mount for the gutters.
They are especially susceptible to water intrusion because they are located directly beneath the roofline. In a lot of situations, once the fascia boards are damp, they will begin to rot quickly. A degraded fascia might end up being the source of additional roof issues, therefore it’s critical to replace them once they are deteriorated.
Fascia boards can be made from a variety of woods, including Spruce, Pine, Fir, Cedar, Cypress, or Redwoods. However, given the risk of rot and if your budget allows it, you might be better off going with Cedar, Cypress, or Redwoods, as their properties are much better for use as a Fascia Board and better resist moisture, even if you don’t paint them. Fascia’s can also be manufactured from composite wood products, which are more resistant to water and moisture than solid wood.
Wooden fascia boards should generally be painted with an external acrylic coating that is long-lasting, self-priming, and mildew resistant; you want something that will last a little longer than standard exterior paint. Although non-wood products such as various types of plastic and PVC can be used to make fascia boards, they perform admirably, but this is a woodworking website, therefore I’m mostly concerned with wood and wood products.
Roof leaks, gutter clogs, and a problematic roof design are just a few of the ways your fascia boards can be damaged. If your fascia boards get wet too often, mould, fungus, and algae can grow and damage them. Fascia’s can also crack as a result of repeated temperature changes and ageing. Even nail sized holes in your fascia should be sealed up.
If the afflicted region spans two rafters and can be safely re-secured, you may be able to repair a part of your fascia rather than replacing the entire board by cutting away the affected area. If the board has two points of contact with the rafters, it should be able to support your gutters as well. A fascia board that shows signs of ageing, such as bowing and cracking, should be completely replaced, even if portion of it appears to be salvageable, as it may fail shortly.
When replacing Fascia Boards, make sure to keep yourself safe.
Replacing fascia boards is a difficult chore for the ordinary homeowner; you’re working at a height that could result in significant injury if you fall. As a result, I recommend that you leave your extension and step ladders in the shed and either hire or buy a safe method of access to the required height.
You must be able to have both your hands free to use with both feet planted securely on a level surface to do it safely. Consider hiring or purchasing pre-made scaffolds from your local hardware shop, or rent specific height platform ladders.
