Repair of Fascia Boards & Roof Overhangs

Examine the damaged area from the ground to determine the type and extent of damage. Lean the ladder against the building below the damaged area; make sure the ladder is stable before climbing.

Pry any damaged fascia away from the rafter tails and drop it to the ground. Pry any damaged decking (plywood covering the rafters), gutters and shingles away as well. Damage includes cracks, holes or rot. Measure from the end of any damaged rafter to just past the damaged area, note the length and mark the point with your pencil.

Cut away with the circular saw any decking, soffit (wood beneath the overhang) or fascia that cannot be removed with the crowbar and your hands. Cut away the damaged portion of the rafter using the circular saw.

Measure and mark a length of lumber 6 inches longer than the length you cut from the rafter. Measure the angle at the end of an existing rafter and mark the same angle at the end of the new rafter. Place the framing square at the mark and draw a cutline. Hold the long end of the board in one hand while cutting away the short end with the circular saw. Cut the tip of the new rafter so that it is flat and matches the existing rafters.

Climb back to your work area and overlap the new length 6 inches past the end of the rafter. Shoot three nails through the new length to connect it to the existing rafter. Repeat for each damaged rafter. Climb down.

Measure the length and width of the area without decking. Mark the dimensions on a sheet of plywood and cut with the saw. Climb back to your work area, lay the decking atop the rafters and drive several nails through the decking to attach it to the rafters. Climb down.

Measure horizontally from the first new rafter tail to the end of any existing fascia. Mark the distance on the fascia board, draw a cutline and cut while holding the long end of the board. Hold the board against the ends of the rafters and attach the fascia with two nails at each rafter.

Measure the space beneath the rafter tails, cut to fit a new soffit from the plywood and nail it into place. Overlap roofing shingles and nail them into place. Replace any gutters.