HOW ROTTED FASCIA AFFECTS YOUR GUTTERS – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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HOW ROTTED FASCIA AFFECTS YOUR GUTTERS

What is the Purpose of Fascia on a House?

The main purpose of fascia is to keep water out of your home and attic space, acting as the seal along the roof edge.  Fascia also acts as a protective barrier against pests like squirrels and birds that may want to nest in your attic space.  Lastly, fascia acts as the board or wall to which gutters attach.  The fascia board is the vertical board that is directly behind the gutter on your house.  It is the board the gutter system mounts to. It is in a horizontal location near the eave where the water runs off.  Sometimes the fascia board can be confused with the rake board which runs in a gable.

Is a Fascia Board the Same as a Soffit?

The fascia board is not the same as the soffit.  The soffit mounted horizontally underneath the eave or the overhang.  It closes off the bottom of the rafter tails whereas the fascia board covers the end of the rafter tail.

What is a Fascia Board Made Out Of?

A fascia board is usually made out of wood.  However, in some commercial applications it can be made out of steel or aluminum.  In a residential setting, it is made out of wood and cladded with aluminum and vinyl siding application.  Sometimes there will be a concrete plank that is applied.  Composite fascia boards are generally uncommon.  Most of the time, they are going to be made out of wood.  Vinyl fascia boards are a common misconception.  Usually when someone refers to a vinyl fascia boards they are referring to vinyl siding.  They are all usually made out of wood and the other materials are placed over top.

What Causes a Fascia Board to Rot?

Roof Installation and Architecture Problems

Fascia boards begin to rot primarily because the roof was installed incorrectly.  It may also be because the roof is old, or because it has been damaged.  If mold, mildew, or algae grows on your roof, it can attract sunlight and cause the overall temperature of your home and roof to increase.  Over time, this destroys your shingles which can allow water inside your home and around your fascia boards depending on where the shingles were damaged.  If this occurs, call a professional who is equipped to eliminate organic material from your roof.  Poorly designed architectural design or damaged or misplaced shingles can allow water to flow against walls and run down causing damage.

Gutter Issues

Gutters mounted on the fascia board wrong can cause water damage for a few reasons.  Gutter seams, corner miters, and end caps can allow water to pass through. If the gutter is clogged, water can overflow.  If a gutter can’t contain the amount of water coming from a high volume area, water won’t be contained.  Gutters are designed so that when water overflows it goes off the front side.  This is because the gutter is lower on the front.  Even so, some water still ends up running down the front of the end of the gutter onto the fascia board.

Clogged Downspout or Underground Drain

Clogged downspouts will also cause the gutter to overflow resulting in water damage to the fascia board.  Usually, the downspout is clogged with leaves and debris.  Sticks and larger objects get stuck in the downspout which can cause smaller items to get clogged.  Unexpected items such as tennis balls, golf balls, and other objects can get stuck in the gutter causing it to back up instantly.  Underground drains can also clog, especially if they were installed in a more level fashion not allowing the water to flow.

Does a Rotten Fascia Board Have to Be Replaced?

Rotten fascia boards have to be replaced.  This is your first defense in making sure water doesn’t get to your overhangs and walls.  It needs to be addressed so the water doesn’t get to the main foundation of your home.  The fascia board is a rather simple board to replace on a house.  It is one of the last pieces of wood to go on the exterior of the house.  The only thing you really have to move first is the gutter itself.

How to Prevent Your Fascia Board From Rotting

A good seamless gutter system combined with proper roof installation will help prevent your fascia board from rotting.  Using the right types of nails and fasteners when installing gutters will also help.  One big problem is when the gutters start to pull away because the wrong nails or fasteners were used.  When this happens, the water runs off behind the gutter and ricochets onto the fascia board.  This is one of the most common reasons for rotting due to water.  Using a zinc screw that prevents rust is recommended.

Treated Wood or Sealant

Make sure the wood is treated with sealer or painted.  The fascia board is going to get wet from time to time so it needs to be protected.  Sealing the wood can act as a barrier until you are able to inspect your gutters to make sure they are functioning properly.

Proper Gutter Installation

Making sure the gutter system is properly installed is key to preventing water from damaging your fascia board.  Gutters should have a small amount of fall toward the downspout or be level at the very least.  There needs to be proper roof extension over the gutter so the water does not run off behind it.

Check Your Fascia Board While Cleaning Your Gutters

You should periodically check your gutter system throughout the year to ensure it isn’t getting damaged.  It is recommended that you clean your gutters 2-3 times per year.  When you are cleaning your gutters you can inspect your fascia board and the gutters to ensure the seams and corners are healthy and functional.

There are a few key ways to ensure that your fascia lasts as long as possible and protects your home from water intrusion.

  1. Keep your gutters clean

  2. Have drip edge installed on the rakes and eaves

  3. Hire a roofing contractor to inspect your attic ventilation system to prevent winter ice dams

  4. Have your fascia wrapped with aluminum

  5. Hire a gutter contractor to periodically perform maintenance on your gutter system

  6. Don’t wait too long to replace your gutters if they are past their “Best By” date

  7. Make sure your gutter contractor uses speed screw hangers for the gutter installation

  8. Have your fascia inspected and replaced as needed whenever you do wood rot repairs, or at the 20 year mark

  9. When you replace fascia, consider replacing it with fiber cement boards

Signs your fascia needs some TLC

  1. You often see pests in your gutters or running along the roofline

  2. Other parts of your home have wood rot

  3. Your home is 20+ years old

  4. There is peeling paint on the fascia

Fascia is the outer seal that keeps your home watertight, so don’t ignore it.  Keep an eye on it, and have it checked whenever you have other home projects done including gutters, roofing, and siding.  Ultimately, a properly functioning and installed roofing and gutter system should guarantee your fascia to last for many years to come.