Rotted Fascia & Roofing

Symptoms of Roof Damage

• To catch deterioration before interior leaks and damp ceilings develop, homeowners should regularly inspect their roofs for symptoms of water damage. Sagging and buckling roof surfaces indicate water penetration and a wavy appearance typically suggests that moisture has caused roof sheathing to swell. Symptoms of water damage on fascia include include popped nails or screws, cracked paint and sagging. Brown and yellow discoloration or growth indicates rot. Additionally, fascia that easily crumbles or sounds hollow when tapped is likely rotten or suffers from pest infestation.

Roof Framing, Sheathing and Covering Damage

• The most common roof coverings, such as asphalt shingles or metal panels, are impervious to rot. However, if moisture or wood fungus penetrates the roof's covering, rot can consume important structural framing members and roof decking. If an inspection of roof damage reveals only water damage, such as swollen sheathing or damp framing, roofers can simply replace damaged plywood products and dry or waterproof framing. However, if an inspection indicates rot, roofers must either treat or completely replace roof components within the vicinity of the affected area.

Fascia Repairs

• Regular refinishing with paint or wood finish prevents fascia from rotting. However, fascia already consumed by rot must be replaced. When removing rotten fascia, homeowners should inspect the rafters, trusses or joists that connected to the rotten fascia. If fungi spread from fascia to roof framing, homeowners must treat or replace rotten wood before installing new fascia. Importantly, to fully protect fascia from pest and moisture damage, all of the board's surfaces must receive a coating of sealant, paint or waterproofing compound, including end cuts, edges and both faces.

Rot Prevention

• Installing drip edge along all fascia boards is an effective preventative measure. Formed from thin sheet metal, drip edge is a long, L-shaped cap that attaches to the upper edge of a fascia board. A lip that protrudes from the exposed side of the drip edge sheds water away from the wood. To further reduce fascia's exposure to moisture, homeowners can install gutter systems that catch run-off and direct water away from walls and foundations.