What Fascia Does
Fascia covers the ends of the rafters or trusses and gives the roofline a finished edge. It also does three structural jobs:
- It anchors the gutters. Every hanger screws into it.
- It supports the drip edge and the first course of shingles at the eave.
- It closes the gap between the roof deck and the soffit, which keeps out rain, birds, squirrels and insects.
When fascia rots, all three of those jobs suffer. For the boards underneath the overhang, see our soffit and fascia repair page.
Signs Your Fascia Needs Replacing
- Paint peeling or blistering in one section of the roofline
- Wood that feels soft or breaks apart when pressed with a screwdriver
- Gutters that pull away, sag or have hanger screws backing out
- Dark streaks or mildew under the drip edge
- Gaps where animals or wasps get into the eave
- Water stains on the soffit or on the top of the exterior walls
In Mississippi, the usual cause is overflowing gutters or a missing drip edge, which let water wick into the back of the board for years before the damage shows. Humidity and shade make it worse.
Replacement Material Options
Primed wood
Primed wood is the traditional choice and easy to match on older homes, but it has to be painted and maintained. If you go with wood, we prime every cut end.
Cellular PVC
PVC fascia doesn't rot or absorb water, and it holds screws well. It's a good choice on rooflines that stay damp.
Fiber cement trim
Fiber cement trim resists moisture, insects and fire, and it pairs well with James Hardie siding.
Aluminum fascia wrap
Coil aluminum bent over sound wood gives a low-maintenance finish. We only wrap boards that are solid. Wrapping rotted wood hides the problem and doesn't fix it.
How We Replace Fascia
- Inspect the eave. We check the fascia, soffit, rafter tails and roof edge for hidden rot.
- Take down the gutters. We label and remove them so they can be reused or replaced.
- Remove the damaged boards. We cut back to sound wood and repair any rafter tails as needed.
- Install the new fascia. We install it straight and secure, seal the joints, and add or replace the drip edge.
- Finish and rehang. We paint or wrap the boards, then rehang the gutters with the correct pitch and hidden hangers.
If the gutters are part of the problem, we'll recommend new seamless runs. Learn more about our gutter installation and repair.
What Affects the Cost
We don't quote fascia work without seeing it, because the price depends on the following:
- The total length of fascia being replaced and the height of the roofline
- The material you choose
- Whether the rafter tails, soffit or roof decking also need repair
- Removing and reinstalling the gutters versus installing new ones
- Painting, wrapping and any roof-edge work
A free inspection gives you a written, itemized number. If you also have poor attic airflow, ask about soffit vent installation while the eaves are open.
Common Questions
Which materials can replace rotted fascia?
Common options are primed wood, cellular PVC, fiber cement trim, and aluminum wrap over sound wood. PVC and fiber cement hold up best where moisture is a constant problem.
What determines the cost of fascia board replacement?
The main factors are length, roof height, material, and how much hidden damage turns up behind the board. Gutter removal and reinstallation also affect the price. We give an itemized estimate after an inspection.
Can rotted fascia damage the roof structure?
Yes. Water that gets past fascia can rot the rafter tails, the roof decking at the eave and the soffit. Catching it early usually keeps the repair limited to trim.
How long does fascia replacement take?
Small sections often take a day. A whole-house roofline with gutter work usually takes a few days.
Does fascia damage affect my gutters?
It does. Gutter hangers lose their grip in soft wood, so the gutters sag, pull loose and overflow. That speeds up the rot. Fixing the fascia and the gutters together stops the cycle.