How to Replace Roof Overhang

Over time, water, moisture can cause roof overhang structures to deteriorate. When this happens, water can seep inside a home’s wood structure and cause rot to spread. Replacing a roof overhang involves removing fascia and soffit materials. Applying sealant coatings to the new pieces can help prolong the life of a new overhang structure.

Replacing a roof overhang involves dismantling the fascia and soffit.

Step 1

Pry off the shingle molding that runs along the top edge of the fascia with a crowbar. Fascia boards run vertically under the roof’s edge. You may need to remove the gutter to get to the fascia and molding.

Step 2

Pry off the fascia, often a 1-by-4 or a piece of plywood. These pieces sit right up against the roof shingles and flashing, so avoid dislodging or damaging nearby roof materials.

Step 3

Pull off the soffit, which sits on the underside of the fascia and braces the overhang structure against the side of the house. The soffit creates an enclosure inside the overhang, so beware of animal or insect nests inside this area.

Step 4

Inspect the ledger on the side of the house and the underside of the rafters to ensure they can support new soffits and fascia.

Step 5

Cut a new soffit to fit. Apply a wax-based sealant coating to the new soffit’s edges and top and bottom surfaces.

Step 6

Nail the soffit to the bottom of the rafters using a nail gun or hammer with 2-inch galvanized nails. Cut a new fascia to fit and nail it to the ends of the rafters. Apply epoxy wood filler around the nail holes.