Soffit and Fascia Repair Near Me
Soffits and fascia give a finishing look to the exterior of your home. They protect the rafters against the effects of moisture and pests.
However, ignoring these essential elements can lead to serious repercussions. Learn about the tell-tale indications that your fascia or soffit are damaged. Also, find out about the advantages of hiring a professional for repairs to fascia or soffit.
Damaged Fascia
Apart from providing a sturdy platform for gutters, the fascia boards also protect the structure of the home and foundation. Fascia or soffit that is damaged can cause structural damage and infestations of pests. If you're experiencing wood decay peeling paint, discoloration or wet spots, these indicators suggest it's time to get fascia repair.
Fascia is made of wood or other hard, durable materials like aluminum. It is able to withstand the harshest weather bugs, critters, and other elements but over time it can become worn out and need replacing. In the past, homeowners relied on wood filler to fix soft or rotted sections of fascia. This technique is effective for mild rot, but is not able to prevent future water leaks.
RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will employ various techniques to repair the fascia on your roof and shield it from moisture. He or she will take away any screws, nails, or other debris, and then carefully remove the old fascia board. The handyman will then measure and cut the new boards to the proper size once the board has been removed. They will apply caulking on the seams of the new board and then add fascia trim.
The damage caused by moisture on fascias can be a major issue and can lead to costly repairs. It is typically caused by leaks from the roof or gutter blockages, as well as other roofing problems that expose the fascias to constant moisture. Over time, this causes the wood to rot and weakens the gutters. Moisture is also the source of mold, fungus and algae-caused black stains.
Moving around and stretching regularly helps keep your fascia strong and healthy. You can do this by exercising or participating in yoga and other activities that require the use of a lot of motion. Heating therapy can be beneficial in relieving adhesions to the fascia. You may want to consult a massage therapist who can treat fascial restrictions in the case of a condition such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome.
Rotted Fascia
If your fascia, soffit or gutters are beginning to rot, it's definitely time to make repairs. It is recommended to hire an expert to replace the rotten facia or soffit and any gutters attached. It is not something the average homeowner can tackle on their own. This requires a ladder, skill and tools.
Most often, a fascia begins to rot because it was exposed to a lot of water. This is usually caused by a clogged gutter system. If a rain-gutter is filled with water, it can soak into the fascia. This could cause it to begin to rot. If the decay persists, the gutter may eventually detach and fall off of the house.
A poor installation is another reason why fascias can get rotten. If the fascia boards are not painted properly or contain wood fillers or putty then moisture will get into the soft wood and cause it to turn into a rotting material. This problem can be avoided by making sure that any fascia boards being put in place are treated and painted using water-resistant paints and sealants.
A lack of drip edges is an important reason for rotting fascia. A drip edge is a bit of trim that is put underneath the shingles to keep moisture from getting into the fascia and damaging it. It is important to have the right drip edge and to replace any one that is damaged or missing.
When installing a new fascia it's important to use nails that aren't too big. Too large nails can split the wood and allow moisture to enter, causing it rot. It is important to not just to avoid problems like this however, but also to inspect your fascia every so often.
Pests can also be a major threat to your fascia boards and soffits. Carpenter ants, termites and other pests can chew through or bury themselves in fascia boards. They can cause destruction to your home. You can stop these pests by ensuring that all your fascia and gutters are properly sealed and protected, and making sure that your fascia and soffit are not infested with rodents or animals.
Gutter Re-Attachment
Gutters that are loos and pulling away from the house may require repairs to stay in place. It could be that they're missing a gutter hook or the spike that binds the gutter to fascia. It is possible to replace loose or damaged sections of the gutter, particularly in the event that it is damaged or dented. In most cases, loose or damaged gutters can be repaired by tightening loose gutter screws or replacing the damaged hanger or spike.
Gutter re-attachment can also involve repair or replacement of the gutter end cap or downspout outlet. This is a typical repair because the outlet could be disconnected from the gutter when water flows over the roof edge. This issue can be easily solved by cutting off the end cap with an axe or saw and connecting it to the gutter with sheet metal you can purchase from an home improvement store. This is a lot easier with the help of a professional.
Another gutter repair involves adjusting the pitch. This ensures that water is directed towards the downspout, not behind or under your shingles. To do this, you'll require a ladder and some ladder-friendly tools. Start by locating the highest point of your gutter's slope and temporarily tack a nail in the spot. Then, mark every 10 feet along the eave using a new nail that's 1/4 inch lower than the previous one. Connect the marks with a chalk line to create a slope.
If you've got the proper slope for your gutters, place them on top of the rafter tails, and use sheet-metal screws to secure them. The gutter apron is an optional element that can help stop water from flowing underneath or over your roofing shingles. It is also a way to ensure that all water goes to the downspout. The apron could be made from galvanized steel or aluminum.
If the apron is made of aluminum, tin snips could be used to cut it into two 3 inch strips. Then, tuck in the apron on top of the gutter and beneath the drip edge. Finally, nail the apron to the gutter using a nail, and then apply a small amount of waterproofing sealant around its edges.
Damaged Downspouts
Downspouts are more than just a cosmetic matter they also protect the home from structural damage. When functioning correctly downspouts channel rainwater away from the foundation of the building and prevent erosion of soil, water damage and basement flooding. However, downspouts may be damaged in various ways. They can be damaged due to wear and tear on the material, improper installation or poor workmanship. In these instances it is crucial to replace the downspouts as fast as you can to ensure proper drainage.
Repairing downspouts typically involves tightening or replacing brackets, reconnecting downspout sections and clearing obstructions and sealing leaks. However, severe damage to the downspout could require replacing the entire gutter system. In this scenario, the cost can be anywhere from $1500 to $3,000 or more.
A downspout that is clogged is more than just an inconvenience. It can cause water damage to the fascia roof, siding and the foundation of your home. The easiest solution is to clear the downspout from debris and clean it out. Install gutter guards for a long-term solution. Regularly clean the guttering and downspouts. Position downspout extension. Ensure adequate slope. Conduct routine inspections.
A slope that is too steep can also cause the downspout to fail. Water that pools on the downspout may cause structural damage, particularly when it is exposed low temperatures. The best way to deal with this problem is to reduce the slope of the downspout to reduce the amount of standing water and enable proper drainage.
The location of downspouts will impact the type and severity of damage to the guttering system and fascia. Downspouts close to pedestrian walkways or in highly-trafficked areas can result in pedestrian injuries. A broken or dislodged downspout that causes water to flow into an active zone poses a slip/fall hazard and needs to be fixed quickly.
Repairing downspouts may require more than just the cost of materials. It may also require removing and replacing sections. This can be costly, but it is the only option in the event that the fascia boards are severely damaged or rotting. When repairing a fascia board it is vital to use high-quality wood and sealant to ensure proper adhesion. Alternatively, you can put a cap of metal on the fascia to shield it from further damage.