How to Repair Rotted Eaves

What You'll Need
Hose
Flat Bar
Safety Glasses
Reciprocating Saw
Pressure Treated Lumber
Powder-Actuated Nailer
Clamp
Electric Screwdriver
Screws
Sealer and paint brush
Air Nailer
Galvanized Nails
Putty
Tape Measure
What You'll Need
Hose
Flat Bar
Safety Glasses
Reciprocating Saw
Pressure Treated Lumber
Powder-Actuated Nailer
Clamp
Electric Screwdriver
Screws
Sealer and paint brush
Air Nailer
Galvanized Nails
Putty
Tape Measure

If water settles in your eaves or gutters, rot can quickly cause damage. Birds or squirrels also do damage to your eaves by nesting in them and chewing or pecking away at the material. There are several steps you can take to fix your eaves.

Step 1 – Inspect Your Damage

While you are preparing for your repairs, do a thorough check. Run a hose on your roof. If the water streams into the gutter and doesn’t leak into the fascia or the sheathing, you’ll know the flashing and gutters are installed properly. While you’re running the water, watch for any leaks in the gutter or downspout. If you see any, do the necessary repairs. Check the roof for any needed repairs as well.

Step 2 – Remove the Shingle Mold

With a flat bar, pry off the shingle mold from the fascia. If you get it off without it splitting, keep it to use again later.

Step 3 – Take off the Rotted Fascia

Take out the rotted section of fascia. Be sure not to damage any nearby roof shingles or flashing. You don’t want to cause yourself extra work.

Step 4 – Remove Soffit

To remove your old soffit, pull down. Don’t be surprised if an animal has made a nest above the soffit.

Step 5 – Take off Rotted Rafter

Use a reciprocating saw to remove the rotted rafter. You’ll have to create a replacement piece from pressure treated lumber.

Step 6 – Attach Cleat

Using a powder-actuated nailer, attach a 2x4 cleat to a brick chimney. Cleats are attached to things to strengthen or give footing to them. In this case, the cleat will help support the new overhang.

Step 7 – Attach New Rafter

After clamping a 1-by backing board in place, screw your new rafter to it. Screw the rafter to the cleat as well.

Step 8 – Seal your Replacement Soffit

You’ll want to protect the plywood replacement soffit from water with a waxy sealer. Put a coat on the soffit before hanging it.

Step 9 – Attach Replacement Soffit

Attach the replacement soffit (be sure to prime it top and bottom) to the underside of the eave using an air nailer.

Step 10 – Put up New Crown Molding

Put up new crown molding along the wall of the house under the rear edge of the new soffit, especially if it existed before. It creates a finished and professional look.

Step 11 – Put up New Fascia

Put your new fascia into place using galvanized nails. Use putty to cover the holes.

Step 12 – Replace Shingle Mold

Put up shingle mold along the top of your fascia. Use a tape measure to determine a consistent placement.