How to Troubleshoot Roof Eaves

Place a ladder under your roof and climb up to inspect your eave.

Clean out the gutters. If they are overflowing, it could cause the eaves to be weighted and hang down.

Check the rain gutter (if you have one) by inspecting the wood fascia cover as well as the metal brackets that secure the gutter to the roof. Use the claw end of your hammer, or a pry bar, to gently pry up on the brackets and fascia cover. If the brackets and cover come off easily, the wood could be rotten.

Check the areas where the brackets and fascia connect, such as near the roof beams, to see if you find rotten or loose wood near the connections. Remove and replace any wood that is rotten.

Check the wooden panels on the eaves. If they aren't rotten but are crooked, remove any screws that hold the wood in place. Adjust the boards so they are straight and secure them with nails.

Check the wooden soffit. This is the wood bracket underneath the rafter that supports the fascia. If it is rotten or breaking, remove the soffit. You can have a professional replace the soffit or cut pieces of wood to size and replace it yourself using your hammer and nails.