Over time, water, debris and pests can accelerate the decay of your fascia, contributing to rot.  For the board that you can see, the rot can make your home look older and in disrepair.  Whether you can see the fascia or not, the rot can threaten the integrity of your home.  The weakened board won’t have the same protective qualities, and the water, debris and pests can reach other parts of your home, such as the underside of your roof, the walls or your attic.  Soon, the damage you see on your fascia can spread to other parts of your home, causing even more expensive damage.

If you see that your fascia is beginning to rot, you need to take immediate action.  Here’s what to do if you have rotting fascia:

Replace the Boards

Most fascia is composed of simple lumber — usually a 1×4 or 2×4 board. The repair is simple and inexpensive.

You can attempt the repair yourself, but it is better to hire a professional to do the work.  The fascia is connected directly to your roof and if you make any mistakes, you will compromise the protection that your roof provides.  You could get a leak that could lead into your attic or your walls.  Even minor damages can cause the water to pool around the roof, rotting the subdeck.

You might also be tempted to simply cover the board with a vinyl exterior.  However, this will only improve the look without addressing the structural issues.  Leaving the wood to rot below will leave your roof compromised. You must replace the wood whether you plan to cover it or not.

Choose a Vinyl Covering

Once you replace the wood fascia, you can protect it by choosing a vinyl covering for it.  The vinyl is waterproof, and it will prevent the wood from rotting and protect it from pest damage. All you’ll need to do is keep the covering clean to maintain it.

Vinyl fascia covering comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes, allowing you to match the look of your home.  You can choose boards in a matching color, or you can choose a nice complementary color.  The covering can match your other trim or your gutters.  If you are looking for an unusual color that is not readily available, you can also paint the vinyl to match it.

Prevent Future Damage

The best way to treat a problem is to prevent it from happening.  You can prevent future damage to your fascia by keeping the boards clean.  Regular pressure washing will prevent the buildup of corrosive debris, including mold and mildew.  Since the fascia is attached to the roof, it is important that you hire a professional to handle this cleaning.  Otherwise, you risk pushing water under your shingles or underlayment.

Cleaning the gutters is also an important way to protect your fascia.  If the gutters become clogged, the debris will rest directly against the fascia, contributing to rot.  Clogged gutters can also backup water to the fascia and the roof, contributing to rot and the spread of mold and mildew.

Your fascia boards may be a small component of your home, but they are among the most important.  Preventing damage to your fascia through regular cleanings and installing protective coatings is the easiest way to make sure they stay in top shape and continue to provide the protection your roof and home need.  Yet if you do find rotting fascia, it is important that you hire someone to replace the boards as quickly as possible.

Cleaning and repairing your fascia will also protect the look of your home, helping to improve its curb appeal and maintain its overall resale value.