How to Install Wood Fascia to an Existing Roof

Measure and mark all of the rafter tails to a uniform length. Mark the forward edge so it is perpendicular with the ground. Use a plumb bob to help you make the alignments. Cut the rafter tails, as necessary, using a reciprocating saw.

Measure the height of the exposed rafter tails. Cut one-inch pine lumber to that measurement, using a circular or table saw.

Hold one of the boards against the gabled portion of the roof. It should be under the roof’s drip edge. Mark the angle that you need to cut the end of the board to align it with the edge of the roof. Cut the angle using a miter saw. Cut the other end at a 45-degree angle.

Cut a 45-degree angle into the end of a second piece of one-inch lumber that’s been cut to the desired width. Hold that board in place to fit it into the top of the gable. Mark the angle you need to cut in the second end of this board. Cut the angle with a miter saw.

Nail these boards in place with 8 penny nails attached to the rafters. Put at least two nails into each rafter, staggering the alignment of the nails.

Go to the opposite side of this gable end of the building. Measure and cut one-inch lumber, keep the angles aligned with the slope of the rafters. The angles should match where the boards come together at the peak of the gable. Fasten the boards in place with 8 penny nails.

Measure and cut fascia board for the opposite gable as you did in Steps 3 through 6. Attach the fascia boards to the rafters with 8 penny nails.

Measure and cut one-inch lumber to cover the exposed rafter tails along both sides of the building. Slide the boards under the roof’s drip edge and attach the fascia with 8 penny nails.

Apply a coat of exterior primer to the fascia boards. Allow it to dry. Give the boards two coats of paint, allowing each coat time to dry before proceeding.