Rotten fascia boards do more than just make the roof edges look unsightly—they can also cause problems for your roof and gutters. In today’s post, local roofing company Genesis Roofing takes a look at what causes fascia boards to rot, and what can be done to fix it.
Why Do Fascia Boards Rot?
The fascia boards are the vertical boards that cover the ends of rafters and are usually where gutters are mounted. They are typically made of wood (though they can also be made of composite, vinyl, or fiber cement, among other materials), which makes them vulnerable to rotting.
While there are other factors that contribute to rot, two of the most common are improper installation of gutters and drip edges — the latter being the type of flashing installed at the roof’s edge. Poor installation can leave holes or cracks in the fascia that exposes the bare wood to moisture, which can later result in rot. Lack of maintenance can result in blistered and peeling paint on the fascia boards, which can also expose the boards to moisture.
What Happens When You Have Rotten Fascia Boards?
Rotten fascia boards can directly affect your gutters. Most types of gutter systems are fastened to the fascia, and if the boards are rotten, the gutters are at a higher risk of falling off the roof. This problem can also create openings in the roof where rainwater can get into the attic, through the walls, and down to the house foundations.
How to Prevent Rotten Fascia Boards
Fortunately, you can protect your fascia boards from rot by regularly inspecting your roof, ideally at least once a year. Visual inspections are fairly easy to do — simply use a pair of binoculars to inspect the roof, taking note of problems like damaged or missing components, as well as the condition of the fascia boards. Just as important is having your licensed roofing contractor fix such problems as soon as possible.
If your roof has rotten fascia boards, one of the things you should not do is try to fix it yourself. In addition to the high risk of injury, you also risk voiding your roof and gutter warranties. Instead, leave the repair work to roofing professionals.
Genesis Roofing is your leading provider of roof replacement services in the area. Give us a call at (515) 202-1667. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Clive, IA, and the surrounding communities.
