How to Replace Soffit Boards

How to replace soffit boards? I know that question must have hit you hard. You aren’t alone. Most average homeowners have no idea of what this process involves. But since you’re here, it means you’re ready to learn the art of installing your soffit boards like a pro, and here I am to make it a breeze.

Have you ever looked at your roof and pitied it? Or you just wondered how a small human-made structure could perform such a miraculous role for years without getting tired? It’s truly miraculous how these tiny structures manage to shield us from bad weather for years. But then, roofs don’t play that role alone.

They got the backing of supplements such as the soffits, fascias, gutters, and vents. Soffit boards are easily noticeable. Even the smallest soffit board sagging doesn’t require a microscope to diagnose.

Soffit boards get tired over time—succumbing to the brutality of the unforgiving weather. Looking for something tangible to keep you busy during the weekends? Why not replace those sagging soffit boards.

When Should I Replace My Soffit Boards?

There is no timeframe on when you should remove the tired soffit boards and replace them with some fresh pieces. However, if you can’t remember the last time you checked or repaired the soffit boards, I don’t need to remind you that it’s time you made that bold move.

Repairing old soffit boards may appear cheaper, but are you ready to buy a new one if the entire system fails? Old age means the soffit boards can no longer perform to expectations, and so by repairing them, you’re only delaying them from collapsing—they ultimately fail.

Signs My Soffit Boards Should Be Replaced?

Once the soffit boards have lived up their life, they’ll start sending signs of physical weakness. You don’t need any special equipment and skills to notice such signs. Signs such as sagging sections, rotten wood, cracks, chipped sections, chipped paints, chipped sections, rodent bite marks, and missing boards are too obvious not to notice.

When you notice any or all of these issues, make that move to get them restored or replaced. Replacing the boards takes a shorter time and does guarantee lasting results.

Is It Worth It to Replace My Soffit Boards?

I know you understand fully well how important soffit boards are.  Soffit boards protect your house against water overflow inside the house during extreme stormy rains. It’s these roof supplements that protect squirrels, bats, and birds from penetrating your home’s interior.

Damaged soffit boards have a direct impact on the gutters and the roof. Not replacing your damaged soffit boards will make the gutters to break and sag.  Soffit boards also protect the wood frame against the damaging effect of moisture.

How to Replace Soffit Boards—the Process

Focused soffit board replacement is more about having a keen eye on details. Everything starting from the removal of the old soffit boards to the installation of new ones is all about being keen on details.

Start by pulling down the aged soffit board

Pull down the old soffit boards from a ladder. Please make sure the ladder is stationary and leveled before you climb on it. A helping hand from a friend or family member can save you a big deal. Having someone to hold the fascia boards and gutters as you pull them down can protect you from being injured by falling objects.

Get a pair of safety glasses to save your eyes from the impact of falling debris. A pry bar is also a necessary tool to aid in pulling out the gutter attached to the overhang. Clear off all the molding and fascia on the gutter to clear the way to the soffit board.

After you gain access to the soffit boards, evaluate them carefully for rotten or damaged woods. In case you notice any damaged soffit boards, clear them out. Don’t leave the nails attached to the rafters. Clear them out to leave enough room for the new soffit boards to fit and sit flat on the surface.

Carefully examine the eaves

Pulling out the old and damaged soffit boards will give you an optimal view over the eaves. That means you can quickly tell the origin and end of the damage or rot. Check for rotten or damaged rafters. Clear the rotten parts of the rafters.

A reciprocating saw is all you need for such a job. Owing to its unique design and operating mechanism, it will efficiently trim off all the rotten sections of the rafters for quick replacement. You can quickly replace the rotten rafters with braces and mending plates.

Clean off any other mess found on the eaves, including the bee and bird nests.

Install the New Soffit Boards

So far, you’re done clearing and preparing the damaged soffit board and the surrounding areas ready for replacements.

1. Get the replacement soffit board and measure it to the length and width of the soffit board area that needs replacement.
2. Using a circular saw, cut the plywood panel to the desired size.
3. Trim the soffit boards and then treat its edges. You can use paste wax for sealing the eave and preserving the wood.
4. Mount the soffit board and rafters together by use of finish nails. You can use a brad or finish nailer for a quicker and niftier job.
5. Once you are done, paint the installed board, so it matches the color of the other soffits.
6. Repeat this process for all the damaged soffit boards.

Replacing the Trim

Don’t forget that you removed the gutter mold and fascia board while removing the damaged soffits. Now, return them to the eave, if at all they weren’t damaged. If they were, get new ones and have them installed.

But before then, you should repaint the areas with scraped or chipped paints.  Connect back the gutter and fascia board.

How to Replace Soffit Boards—Conclusion

Why hire a roofer when you can quickly replace the damaged soffit boards on your roof? DIY soffit board replacement is cheap and efficient. You’re not paying anyone to do the job, so you’ll save on labor fees. Besides, it’s a constructive way to spend those lazy afternoons or weekends. Now, you know how to replace soffit boards, make sure to put the knowledge to work next time.