Hello,
My wife and I recently purchased a house and we noticed a "gap" between the gutter and the house on rear of the house. We did not notice it prior to buying and the home inspection did not turn it up, so we are hoping it is not an issue. Here are pictures to describe what I'm seeing. This is our first home so we are brand new at this stuff, but seeing as our this just doesn't look right, I thought it best to get some advice.


It looks like the roof ends early, as the gutter does meet the house entirely. I thought using the expanding insulation to fill the hole. Thoughts?

 

That gap is not an issue. What would be an issue is closing it off from the bottom as you are contemplating. That would cause moisture from condensation and/or spillover to be trapped between the fascia and the gutter which could lead to premature deterioration of the fascia. As long as you clean out the leaves from all those trees at least annually, you shouldn't have a problem.

Enjoy your new home.

 

I don't think tldoug has understood where exactly you are having the issue.

That hole you have should be covered to prevent critters from getting in and making a home. It looks like that trim piece on the gable has rotted. I would try to replace that piece of trim to cover it up. Get up there and look inside to see how things are to help you determine what the problem is.

 

If I cover with a solid piece, won't that trap moisture as tidoug has stated? I also agree I would like to prevent critters get in and making a home. No other place around my house is there a "hole" like this and, from the edge of the roof, it does appears that something is rotting, or has rotted. Now, I really don't have a ladder tall enough to lean against the house to inspect the area. I can get up roof but really don't feel comfortable with the inspection point so close to the edge (not to mention it is very steep). Is this something I would need to call in a roofing specialist for? Thanks for your help thus far!

 

Most any handy man can do the job. Can you borrow a ladder? As a homeowner you might find the need to own one..... or would you rather not get on a ladder?

Closer inspection is needed but it looks to me like the 1x2 [?] drip edge board has deteriorated and part of it's fallen off and needs to be replaced although you need to make sure the wood is solid behind it and try to determine why the wood failed. It could just be lack of maintenance or it may have been getting extra wet from some other flaw.

 

I think tidog thought you were referring to the gap between the bottom of your gutter and the facia board. Filling that hole will not trap any moisture.

 

I was. I completely missed the hole.

 

You won't have to replace the entire board, just about 3' or so. BUT before you do, this hole was made by squirrels most likely and they may have set up nesting in your attic. If so, you need to get rid of them before you seal this hole up. If the attic is accessible, buy a box of mothballs and scatter them out in the attic. They can't stand the smell and will leave on their own. Granted the mothballs will emit a smell of their own, but nothing to compare to rotting squirrel carcasses if you close them up and they die.
Then in a few days, replace a portion of the board, mitering it on the end closest to the gutter, prime and paint it.
Incidentally, if you have spray foam, try not to use it on the exterior of your house for any sealing purposes. It is insulation, not a water barrier, and not friendly to sunlight, as it will deteriorate in time. Since it is a new house to you, you want the best.
Let us know as you go so we can help with your projects. We're here and conscious after a few cups of coffee!

 

Awesome, thanks for the tip on the mothballs! I trimmed back the branches that leaned over the house so I don't think anymore will be coming, however I know how pesky they can be.

I'm not entirely sure what sort of board I am looking for. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks so much for your help!

 

You'll need to get up there and measure it but it might be a 1x2 [actually .75"x1.5"]

If you can give us the dimensions, we can tell you exactly what you are needing to get.