Eaves and Fascia Board Repair: How (Not) to Fix Them

Eaves and fascia boards protect your house against water damage and support your roofing system. Keeping your eaves and fascia boards in good condition is essential to prevent long-lasting damage to your home’s structural integrity. Paying a professional to fix and replace eaves can cost thousands.

Learn how to do it yourself now with this quick guide.

What are eaves and fascia boards?

Eaves and fascia boards are essential in a roofing system. Both maintain the structural integrity of your home. They:

• Protect against water damage
• Support the roof and overhanging edges
• Improve roof aesthetics

Your roof’s eaves extend beyond your home’s walls. They protect your home from the weather, preventing water damage and erosion. Eaves also provide shade, keeping air conditioning costs low in the summer.

Eaves are made up of soffits and a fascia board.

So, how are fascia boards different from eaves?

They support the roof’s edges and the lower row of roof tiles. The fascia board is also where the gutters attach and channel water away from your roof.

What role do they play in a roof system?

Both the eaves and fascia boards contribute to keeping your home dry and cool, and maintain its overall structural integrity. Both components work together to:

• Divert water and prevent dripping
• Keep your attic well ventilated
• Provide shade in hotter months
• Support the roof edge
• Provide attachment for gutters
• Seal the roof

Do I need to replace eaves?

Because the eaves and fascia boards are integral to your roof structure, you need to keep up with eave repairs. If left alone, damaged eaves lead to leaks and dampness. However, you don’t need to completely replace your eaves unless there’s extensive damage.

There are ways to fix your existing eaves, even if they are cracked or rotten. Read on to find out how you can avoid replacing eaves with a simple fix.

The wrong way to fix roof eaves

Let’s cover the wrong way to fix your roof eaves so you don’t make costly mistakes.

1. Not paying attention when inspecting. You may miss more damage or serious issues.
2. Using the wrong materials. They’ll deteriorate quickly, and you’ll have to complete the job all over again.
3. Ignoring structural damage. Focusing on cosmetic repair only will make your eaves unstable.
4. Overlooking ventilation. Your roof will see moisture buildup and, eventually, mould.
5. Using the wrong repair methods. Patching over rot or using quick fixes could damage your eaves even more.

Try to avoid these poor methods for eaves repairs and take the proper safety precautions before you get on the roof. Don’t rush the process – you’ll not only damage the roof, but you’re putting yourself in danger.

The right way to fix roof eaves

Now, here’s the right way to fix your roof eaves.

1. Take your time inspecting the roof. Look for signs of rot and decay, cracks, or pests. Don’t ignore the roof’s structure—check all your attachment points.
2. Choose the right materials. Always choose high-quality materials like fibre cement, wood, sealants, and fasteners.
3. Look out for decay. Remove any rotting wood you find from the eaves and replace it with treated lumber.
4. Improve ventilation. RapidRidge ventilation includes a natural cooling, passive system across your roof to stop heat transfer into your house. This will save money on air-con, which is especially important in Australia!

Is there any way to fix rotted eaves?

You can fix rotted eaves with the right tools and equipment. Unfortunately, you will need to remove all rotten wood completely and install new eaves with nails and screws. To prevent your eaves from rotting again, try using fibre cement boards. This material is often more durable than wood.

If your eaves are consistently rotting, you might want to check your roof overhang, which protects them from water damage. Also, take a look at your soffit boards, as they may be damaged.

How to fix roof eaves yourself: A step-by-step guide

It’s more than possible to fix roof eaves yourself. Here’s how.

Equipment

Make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need:

• Ladder
• Safety gear like gloves and goggles
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Saw
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Replacement wood – either fascia board, soffit, or a fibre cement board
• Nails and screws
• Wood filler
• Paint and paintbrush

Steps for roof eave repairs

Are you sick of looking at weathered eaves? Here’s how to fix your roof overhang.

1. Prioritise your safety first. Use a sturdy ladder and wear protective gear like gloves and goggles.
2. Evaluate the roof’s edge. Look for areas that need attention, like damaged wood or flaking paint. Once you’ve found the issue, remove the damaged wood using a pry bar. Cut out the rotted eaves with a saw to make room for the new eaves.
3. Prepare the roof. Clean and smooth the edges of the wood with a chisel, and make sure the area is dry and clear of debris.
4. Measure and cut your new wood or vertical board to fit in the space that the old eaves left. Fasten with nails and screws.
5. Look out for any gaps between the old and new eaves and use wood filler to smooth them out. Wait for it to dry, and then add primer to protect the wood from water damage.

How much does it cost for professional roof eave repairs?

If you’d rather have a professional replace your eaves, you’ll typically pay $60 per square metre. On an average home, the entire length would cost $3000. To avoid paying for extensive roof repairs in the future, make sure to carry out regular maintenance and use roofing systems like RapidRidge.

Improve your roof system with RapidRidge

For a healthy roofing system, you need to monitor your eaves and repair any damage you see immediately. They keep your roof dry and structurally sound. Professional repairs are costly, so tackling the project yourself might be the better option.

If you want to improve your roof’s performance, consider RapidRidge. Our innovative system provides all the benefits of a dry fixed roof with integrated ventilation so that you can reduce your energy costs.

Invest in RapidRidge for a durable, energy-efficient roofing solution that protects your home for years to come. Learn more about how RapidRidge can help you here.