How to Make Fascia Smaller on a Roof

Basic Process

• The basic procedure for making fascias smaller on a roof is to remove the fascias, cut them to a smaller size and reinstall them in their original locations. Fascias are typically nailed on, so prying out nails forms the majority of the removal process. If you have gutters that interfere with the removal, you'll need to remove and reinstall them as well. If the fascias are painted, you may choose to repaint them so that the new edges you create match the rest of the roof.

Eaves

• Depending on your roof's construction, you may need to alter the eaves to accommodate new, smaller fascias. A roof's eaves refers to the underside of the overhang, which is often finished to cover other portions of the roofing structure. If the eaves are too thick, the narrower fascias may not cover their unfinished edges completely. To keep the job as simple as possible, only make your fascias as small as they can be while still covering the eaves.

Sub-Fascia

• Another factor that can complicate the process of reducing the size of a roof's fascia is the sub-fascia. A sub-fascia is a board that attached to the ends of the rafters and supplies a flat surface for affixing the outer fascia. You can choose to reduce the size of both the sub-fascia and the fascia, or, if the sub-fascia is already smaller than the fascia, leave the sub-fascia intact.

Outcome

• The fascia at the end of a section of roofing forms the visual line that defines the roof's edge and differentiates it from the rest of your home visually. A narrower fascia will make the roof appear more slight. It will also reveal more of the eaves, cornice and rake, which are lower elements around the edge of a roof. A smaller fascia may complement low-profile gutters or serve as a means of removing damaged portions of the fascia without replacing the entire fascia.