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How to replace a fascia board

Guttering hanging from a new section of timber fascia board

Overview

Fascia board holds your gutters in place and protects the edges of your roof. These areas are exposed to a lot of moisture and over time can start to rot. This video shows you a clever way to remove the old, rotting section and replace it with a brand new piece of timber.

Steps

1Measure the existing fascia board and prepare tools

The simplest way to fix rotten fascia board is to cut out the old section and replace it with a new piece. Start by getting all the tools and materials you need. It's important to measure up your fascia board first to make sure you get a replacement piece of timber to match.
Guttering hanging from a rotted timber fascia board

2Remove the guttering from the fascia board

Guttering is normally held onto the fascia by metal clips. Use a pair of multigrips to pull these clips back to release the section of guttering. Once the whole section is free, roll it out and place it on the ground. Some sections of guttering can be quite long, so it's a good idea to get another person to help you.
A person using multigrips to remove a clip on a section of guttering

3Lift the roof off the top of the fascia board

Use your wrecking bar to pry the nails out of the roofing above the rotten piece of fascia. Then lift up the roofing off the board and place a timber block underneath to prop it up. Make sure you remove any gutter brackets that might be in the way.
A person placing a timber block underneath corrugated roofing to prop it

4Mark the line where you will cut the fascia board

Working from the rotten section, find the nearest point where your fascia has been nailed into the roof joist. Draw a line between the nails and the piece you're planning to remove. This will ensure that the retained fascia is still properly nailed into the roof.
A person measuring a line on a fascia board

5Cut the fascia board

Before you cut out your fascia, set your saw blade to the depth of the board. This way you will cut safely through the board without blunting your blade on the wall behind the fascia. Cut up from the bottom of the board.
A person wearing protective gear cutting a fascia board using a circular saw

6Remove the old fascia board and replace it

Use your wrecking bar to pry the rotten fascia off the building. Once you've removed the rotten board, measure up your space for the replacement fascia board. Cut the fascia to length and nail it into place using galvanised nails.
A person attaching a length of fascia using a nail gun

7Paint the new fascia and put the guttering back into place

Now that the fascia has been replaced, it's time to prepare the surface for painting. Use your gap filler to tidy up the join between the old and new fascia. Then give the whole fascia a light sand. Next reattach the metal gutter clips, put the guttering back on and it's ready for painting.
Guttering hanging from a new section of timber fascia board
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.