Soffit and Fascia Repair Near Me
Soffits and fascia are a great way to finish the exterior of a home. They also shield the rafters from damage caused by moisture and insects.
Neglecting these elements can have grave consequences. Learn about the tell-tale indications that your fascia or soffit are damaged. Also, read about the benefits of hiring experts to repair soffit and fascia.
Damaged Fascia
Fascia boards provide a stable foundation for gutters and also protect the foundation and the structure of your home. As as such, soffit and fascia can cause structural damage as well as pest infestation. If you're experiencing wood rot peeling paint, or discoloration, or wet spots, these indicators indicate that it's time to call for fascia repair.
Fascia can be constructed from wood or other durable hard materials, such as aluminum. It is able to withstand extreme conditions, bugs and other critters, but it will eventually wear out. In the past, homeowners often used wood fillers to fix soft or rotted sections of fascia. This technique can be beneficial in cases of mild rot, but it can not stop water leaks and other issues from developing down the line.
A skilled handyman will employ a variety techniques to repair the fascia on your roof and keep it dry. He or she will take away all screws, nails or other debris, and carefully pry off the old fascia. The handyman will then measure and cut the new boards to the appropriate size once the board is removed. They will apply caulking to seal seams of the new board and add fascia trim.
The damage caused by moisture on fascias can be a serious issue and lead to expensive repairs. This is typically caused by leaks from the roof and gutter blockages as well as other roofing problems that expose the fascias to constant moisture. In time, this causes the wood to rot and may weaken gutters. Moisture can also be a source of mold, fungus and algae-caused black stains.
To keep your fascia strong and healthy, try to move around and stretch frequently. This can be done by exercising, doing yoga, or any other activity that require lots of movement. The use of heat therapy can also be helpful in eliminating adhesions to the fascia. If you suffer from a condition that affects fascia like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, consider seeing an expert in massage therapy who is skilled in treating fascial limitations.
Rotted Fascia
It's time to repair your rotted soffit or fascia. It is best to call a professional to replace the rotten fascia or soffit and any gutters attached. It is not something the average homeowner can do on their own. This requires a ladder, skills and tools.
Most often, a rotting fascia occurs because it was exposed to excessive water. This most often occurs due to a blocked or overflowing gutter system. If a rain gutter gets full of water from a storm, it can be absorbed into the fascia, and cause it to begin rotting. If the rotting continues, the gutter could eventually fall away and be a part of the house.
Another reason that fascia may rot is due to inadequate installation. If the fascia is not painted properly, or has putty or wood fillers applied to it, moisture can penetrate and cause the soft wood to rot. This issue can be easily prevented by ensuring that all fascia boards have been painted and treated with water-resistant sealants and paints.
The absence of a drip edge is a common reason for rotting fascia. A drip edge is a piece trim that is positioned under the shingles to prevent moisture from entering the fascia and causing damage to it. It is important to have the correct drip edge, and to replace any ones that are damaged or missing.
When installing a new fascia, it is important to avoid using extra-large nails. Too large nails can split the wood and allow moisture in and cause it to rot. It is crucial to be aware of these issues, but to also inspect your fascia on a regular basis.
Pests can also pose a threat to your fascia and soffits. From termites to carpenter ants, they are all known to chew through or dig into fascia and cause havoc on your home. You can stop these pests by ensuring that your gutter systems and fascia are protected and sealed and also ensuring that the soffit and fascia aren't infested by rodents or animals.
Gutter Re-attachment
Gutters that are leaking and pulling away from the house will require repairs to keep in place. They may be missing a gutter hanger or spike that holds the gutter to the fascia. The damaged or loose sections of the gutter may need to be replaced with new ones, particularly when they're damaged or dented. In most cases, leaky or damaged gutters can be fixed by tightening loose screws on the gutter or replacing the hanger or spike.
Gutter re-attachment can also involve fixing or replacing the cap on the gutter's end or downspout outlet. This is a very common repair since the outlet could be separated from the gutter when water flows over the roof edge. This problem can be easily fixed by cutting off the end cap with the aid of a saw or hacksaw and connecting it to gutter using sheet metal that you can purchase at an home improvement store. This is a simple task to accomplish with a partner.
Adjusting the pitch is a second gutter repair. This will ensure that water flows down the downspout and not behind or underneath the shingles. You'll need to use a ladder and ladder-friendly equipment. Start by locating the highest point of your gutter slope. Then, temporarily tack a nail into the spot. Then, mark every 10 feet along the eave using the nail, which is one quarter inch lower than the previous one. Join the marks with a chalk line to create an angle 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. A gutter apron is an optional element of the gutter system. It can help keep water from rushing over or under your roofing shingles and helps make sure that all the water will flow towards the downspout. The apron is constructed of galvanized steel, or aluminum.
If the apron is made of aluminum you can use tin snips to cut it into two 3 inch wide strips. Then, place the apron in between the drip edge and on the top of the gutter. Then, you can nail the apron in place and apply a small amount of waterproofing sealant on its edges.
Damaged Downspouts
Downspouts are more than simply a cosmetic problem they also protect the home from structural damage. When they're functioning properly, downspouts divert water away from the foundation and prevent damage to the building and soil erosion. Downspouts can be damaged by different ways. This could be due to wear and tear, or incorrect installation. In these situations it is recommended to ensure proper water drainage.
Repairing downspouts typically involves fixing or changing brackets, re-connecting sections of the downspout, clearing obstructions and sealing leaks. However, serious damage to the downspout may necessitate replacing the entire gutter system. In this instance the cost can be anywhere from $1500 to $3,000 or more.
A downspout that is clogged is more than just an inconvenience. It could cause water damage to the fascia, siding, roof and even the foundation of the house. The most straightforward solution is to clean the downspout from debris and clean it out. For a longer-term solution install gutter guards. regularly clean the downspouts and guttering systems, position downspout extensions, make sure they have a proper slope and conduct routine inspections to prevent clogging and leaks.
Insufficient slope may also cause downspout problems. Water that pools over the downspout can cause the structure to deteriorate and cause rot, especially when it is exposed to cold temperatures. The best solution to this issue is to slope the downspout in order to reduce the amount of standing water and enable proper drainage.
The location of the downspouts will determine the severity and type of damage to the fascia system and guttering. Fascia and Soffit Replacement sittingbourne Repair My Windows And Doors of downspouts near pedestrian walkways and areas with high traffic could result in pedestrian injuries. A broken or dislodged downspout that allows water to flow into an active area poses a slip/fall hazard and needs to be repaired quickly.
In addition to the cost of materials, repairs to downspouts could also involve the removal and replacement of parts of the fascia. This is a costly option but the only one for those who have their fascia boards severely damaged. When repairing a fascia it is vital to choose a high-quality wood and sealant to ensure that the board is properly adhered. You can also place a metal cap over the fascia board to protect it from further damage.