Fascia is the long board that runs along the edge of your roof, right behind the gutters. Soffit is the panel underneath the roof overhang. Together they protect your roofline and attic from water, heat and pests. Because fascia sits right behind the gutters, it is usually the first wood on a house to rot. Catching it early can save you from bigger repairs to the roof deck and rafters.
7 signs your fascia needs attention
- Soft or crumbling wood. Press on the board with a screwdriver. If it sinks in, the wood is rotting.
- Peeling or bubbling paint along the roofline. This usually means moisture is getting into the wood.
- Sagging or pulling gutters. Gutters are fastened to the fascia, so if the board is weak, the gutters start to drop.
- Water stains or dark spots on the fascia or the soffit below it.
- Gaps between the fascia and the roof edge, where water can get in.
- Birds, bees, squirrels or other pests getting into the attic through holes in the soffit or fascia.
- Mold or mildew on the boards, especially on shady sides of the house.
What causes fascia to rot in Austin
- Clogged or overflowing gutters that send water behind the gutter onto the board.
- Missing or damaged drip edge at the roof line.
- Old paint or caulk that has cracked and lets water in.
- Heavy spring storms followed by long hot, humid stretches.
- Trees close to the house that keep the roofline shaded and damp.
Repair or replace?
If the rot is limited to a short section and the boards around it are solid, we can replace just the damaged pieces. If rot runs along most of the roofline, or has spread to the rafter tails behind the fascia, replacing the full run is usually the better long-term fix. During a free inspection, we check behind the boards and show you photos so you know exactly what's going on.
Why we recommend James Hardie fascia and trim
Wood fascia will eventually rot again if water keeps reaching it. James Hardie fiber cement trim does not rot, resists pests, and holds paint well in the Texas sun. Many homeowners choose to upgrade to Hardie trim when they replace their fascia so they don't have to deal with it again.
How we replace fascia and soffit
- Free inspection with photos.
- Clear written estimate.
- Remove the rotted boards and check the rafter tails and roof deck edge behind them.
- Repair any damaged wood behind the fascia.
- Install new fascia and soffit, with James Hardie trim as an option.
- Caulk, seal and paint to match your home.
- Re-hang gutters if needed, clean up and do a final walkthrough.