How to Replace the Soffit Board on a Roof

Take down the guttering. Depending on the type of guttering it typically has spikes or straps holding the hangers in place. Avoid damaging the guttering system so you can replace it.

Pry off the shingle molding from the top of the fascia board, using a pry bar. Remove the molding between the house and the soffit as well. If you are careful and the molding is still in good shape, you can reuse the molding.

Pull off the fascia board, using a pry bar. Avoid damaging shingles as you pull the fascia loose. If the board is in good shape, set it aside for reuse.

Remove the rotten soffit board. Clean out any bird or animal nests that you might find hidden between the soffits and the rafters.

Examine the rafter that you exposed when you removed the soffit board. Cut away any damaged portion of the exposed rafter with a reciprocating saw. Measure the opening with a tape measure.

Cut a new rafter section out of pressure-treated wood that is the same dimension as the piece you removed, using a circular saw.

Select a piece of 1-inch wide lumber the same width as the rafter piece. Cut it several inches longer than the opening you left for the rafter, using a circular saw. Clamp the new rafter section and the 1-inch-wide lumber together, using wood clamps. Set the wooden pieces in the opening you created with the 1-inch-wide piece on the inside of the rafter. Extend the 1-by lumber on both ends of the cut out opening. Add additional clamps to hold both pieces of wood in place.

Insert several wood screws through the new and old rafter wood to secure the 1-by lumber and to hold the new section of rafter in place. Remove the clamps.

Measure and cut replacement soffit board, using a circular saw. Give the soffit board a coat of waxy sealer to help prevent future water damage. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for drying time. Coat all sides of the soffit board with primer and allow it to dry before proceeding.

Attach the new soffit board to the house using nails long enough to penetrate through the soffit board and into the rafters underneath. Replace the molding between the house and the soffit.

Replace the fascia board by nailing it in place. Replace the shingle molding taking care to keep it straight.

Set all the nails below surface level, using a nail set. Add wood putty, as necessary, to fill holes. Give the fascia and soffit two coats of paint. Allow the paint ample time to dry between coats and then hang the guttering.