How do you fix soffit and fascia damage?
Short answer. To fix soffit and fascia, first remove the gutter and the damaged trim, cut out rotted fascia and any rotted sub fascia or rafter tails back to sound wood, and replace them with primed lumber; then reinstall or replace the soffit and wrap the fascia in aluminum or paint it. The repair only lasts if the water source, usually missing drip edge or an overflowing gutter, is fixed at the same time.
Why fascia rots first
The fascia board takes runoff from the roof edge and holds the gutter. When drip edge is missing or installed incorrectly, or when gutters overflow from clogs or undersizing, water wicks into the end grain and the back of the board. In Georgia's humidity, wood stays damp and rots, and the rot spreads into the soffit and rafter tails.
The repair sequence
- Remove the gutter along the damaged run.
- Remove the soffit panels or boards near the damage to see the rafter tails.
- Cut out rotted fascia back to solid wood, ending joints over a rafter tail.
- Repair the framing: sister new lumber alongside rotted rafter tails or replace sub fascia.
- Install new fascia: primed on all sides, cut ends sealed, fastened with corrosion resistant nails.
- Reinstall or replace the soffit: use vented panels where the attic needs intake.
- Wrap or paint: aluminum coil wrap ends paint upkeep; paint works if it is maintained.
- Add drip edge so roof runoff drops into the gutter, then rehang the gutter with proper slope.
When to call a pro
Second story eaves, long runs of rot, and damage that reaches the roof decking are jobs for a contractor. If the shingles at the edge are worn, it may make sense to do this during a roof replacement, when the drip edge and first courses are being replaced anyway. See drip edge explained and gutter sizing, seamless gutters, and guards.