How to Repair a Rotted Soffit

The soffit is that area that lies underneath the exterior overhang of your roof's eaves. The soffit covers interior rafters and prevents birds and small animals from entering your home beneath the fascia. If any section of the soffit is rotted, you need to repair it. Repairing a rotted soffit will prevent further deterioration of adjoining soffit as well as the fascia.

Things You'll Need

• Utility or razor knife
• Pry bar
• Wood
• Hammer and nails
• Caulk
• Primer and paint

Instructions

1. Identify the section or sections of soffit that need repair.

2. Remove any molding that may run along the edge of the soffit. This may be along the edge that butts against the exterior wall and/or along the edge that aligns with the fascia.

3. Locate the seams to either side of the rotted area. Use a utility or razor knife to cut the seams. This will slice through the caulking used to seam the soffit lengths together.

4. Use a pry bar to remove the rotted section of soffit. Be careful of falling debris. Remove any old nails that may still be lodged in the rafters.

5. Determine if there are any water leaks or insect infestations that may have caused the rot. If so, correct the problem before repairing the soffit.

6. Measure the size of the area left by the removal of the rotted soffit. Cut a piece of wood the size of the area. The wood should be of the same kind used throughout the rest of the soffit. If that is not possible, use wood that is similar in thickness and durability.

7. Fit the new piece of wood into the hole. Nail it to the rafters and caulk at the seams. Replace the molding.

8. Prime and paint the repaired area of soffit.