Tools and Materials
Tools
Materials
- 1-in x 4-in or 1-in x 6-in Pressure Treated Board (Actual 3/4-in x 3-1/2-in or 3/4-in x 5-1/2-in)
- 1-in x 4-in or 1-in x 6-in Appearance Board (Actual 0.7187-in x 3-1/2-in or 0.7187-in x 5-1/2-in) (Optional)
- Fiber Cement Trim Board (Optional)
- PVC Trim Board (Optional)
- Exterior-Grade Caulk
- Exterior Primer
- Exterior Paint
- Paint and Primer in One (Optional)
- Drip Edge
- Vinyl or Aluminum Fascia Trim
- Gutters & Gutter Hardware (Optional)
- Exterior-Grade Nails
- Exterior-Grade Screws
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Key Points for Replacing a Fascia Board
Replacing a fascia board can be an advanced project in some cases. If you have a multi-story home, are unfamiliar with roof work or have concerns about working on a ladder, leave the repair to a professional. We give you step-by-step instructions below to help you decide if you want to take on the project, but here are the main parts of the work:
- Check local building codes.
- Put on safety gear and get the work area ready.
- Inspect the fascia boards.
- Remove the existing fascia board.
- Cut the replacement fascia board.
- Install the new fascia board.
- Reinstall trim, drip edge and gutters.
What Are Fascia Boards?
Fascia boards are roof components that run horizontally along the eaves or edge of a roof line. These components are both functional and decorative:
- Fascia boards connect to the rafters, adding stability to the roof.
- Fascia boards support gutters on the roof line.
- Fascia boards conceal the ends of the rafters and the edge of the roof decking. roof decking.
Barge boards are like fascia boards, but run up a roof gable or peak, rather than along the eaves.
Why Replace a Fascia Board
There are several common reasons for replacing a fascia board:
- The fascia board is warped or rotted.
- The fascia board has separated from the rafters.
- Insects, animals or storms have damaged the fascia board.
Steps for Replacing a Fascia Board
If at any point you’re not comfortable with the work, stop and contact a professional.
Step 1: Check Local Building Codes
Depending on the nature of your work, building codes might specify materials, fasteners or procedures. Any work on fascia boards must comply with local codes.
Step 2: Put on Safety Gear and Prepare the Work Area
Wear the appropriate safety gear as specified by manufacturers of the tools you use. In general:
- Wear safety glasses at all times to protect your eyes from debris.
- Wear work gloves when handling the boards and removing fasteners.
- Wear a respirator when cutting a new fascia board.
- Wear hearing protection if you’re using a power saw.
- In some cases, you might need a hard hat and fall protection gear.
Make sure the work area is ready:
- Work on dry ground or dry pavement that’s stable enough to support your ladder safely.
- Make sure there are no power lines or tree limbs that create hazards.
- Avoid working on windy or rainy days.
Enlist a helper to make the work safer and easier. You might need an additional ladder for your helper.
Follow the ladder manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety. See our ladder guide for safety tips.
Step 3: Inspect the Fascia Boards
Before you begin work, inspect all the fascia boards. If one board is damaged, others might be as well. Identifying additional damage now lets you make all the repairs at the same time.
Step 4: Remove the Damaged Fascia Board
If your home has a gutter system, you need to remove at least part of the gutter to access the damaged fascia board. Ensure the gutter is empty and free of debris. Remove the gutter section from the brackets and remove the brackets from the fascia board. Your gutter and brackets might be secured to the fascia board with screws or spikes.
You likely need to remove the drip edge as well. Drip edge runs along the roof edge and directs runoff away from the fascia board. Finally, vinyl or aluminum trim might cover the fascia board. Carefully remove the fasteners that secure the trim to the board and take down the trim.
Fascia boards are secured to the rafters with screws or nails. Use a drill/driver to remove screws or a prybar to separate the board from the rafters. Remove all the damaged boards. As you work, check the condition of the rafters and roof decking. If you find damage, contact a professional roofer to make repairs.
Step 5: Cut the New Fascia Board
Measure the length, width and thickness of the damaged board. Fascia boards are typically 1 inch by 4 inches or 1 inch by 6 inches, depending on the rafter size. Double-check your measurements and use a circular saw or miter saw to cut a replacement piece to size.
- A pressure treated board is a common replacement for a fascia board.
- An appearance board is an economical option for a replacement fascia board, but requires weatherproofing.
- A PVC (polyvinyl chloride) board creates a low-maintenance replacement fascia board that’s highly resistant to insects and decay.
- A fiber cement fascia board is paintable and resists damage from pests and weather.
Step 6: Install the Replacement Fascia Board
Make sure there are no fasteners or debris on the rafters that prevent the new board from fitting flush. Install the new board in place, ensuring it’s level, and secure it to the rafters with exterior-grade nails or screws. If you cut your new board from pressure-treated lumber, make sure the fasteners are compatible. Apply exterior-grade caulk to the joints between the existing fascia and the new board. Repeat this step for any additional boards. Allow the caulk to cure.
If you plan to paint the fascia board, seal joints with paintable exterior-grade caulk.
Step 7: Reinstall the Trim, Drip Edge and Gutters
Reinstall trim, drip edge and gutter sections. If any of the components are damaged, replace them.
If necessary, prime and paint the new board with exterior primer and exterior paint or an exterior paint and primer in one suitable for the board material. Allow the paint to dry completely before reinstalling the gutter and drip edge.
Maintaining Fascia Boards
Reduce the need for future repairs by keeping your fascia in good shape:
- Clean and maintain your gutters.
- Reinstall trim or repaint the fascia boards as necessary.
- Set up an annual professional roof inspection.
- Have roof repairs made promptly.
Replacing Fascia Boards
Replacing damaged fascia boards protects your roof and improves the appearance of your home. Since it requires working on a ladder and making repairs to your roof, this can be an advanced project. Hire a professional if you’re not comfortable with the steps:
- Protect yourself with safety gear according to the tool manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure the work area is stable and safe.
- Inspect other fascia boards for damage.
- Remove gutters, drip edge and trim and then remove the damaged boards.
- Cut replacement boards and install them along the rafters.
- Replace the trim, gutters and drip edge.
- Prime and paint the boards if necessary.
Help keep your home’s fascia in good shape by maintaining your gutters and having your roof inspected annually.
Shop Lowes.com for everything you need to replace a fascia board. Browse our DIY library for tips and guides that help you maintain your home exterior. Or stop by your local Lowe’s and talk to a Red Vest associate. They’ll help you find the tools, safety gear and materials you need for your project, as well as anything you need to keep your home exterior in top shape.