There are several givens in home construction we cannot change, and do a decent job at the same time. The ones we work with most are the need to keep things vertical and level, although with eaves troughs we have to allow a decent slope for proper drainage. From time to time, we come across buildings with uneven fascia boards, that we may or may not be able to work around.
Roofs, Soffits and Uneven Fascia Boards
Roofs have a particular slope to shed moisture adequately, but as gently as is practical. The slope of a particular roof depends on the architectural design of the building, and the prevailing climatic conditions. A gutter follows the lower edge of the roof, to catch the moisture, and direct it into the storm water-drainage system.
This gutter normally attaches through a fascia, that protects the rafter ends from moisture and insect damage. The fascia is set at a consistent distance below the lower end of the roof, so they are perfectly parallel. A soffit closes in the space beneath, so the outer edge of the roof is sealed, except for the soffit vents.
However, the eaves trough gutters have to break away from that symmetry, in order for the moisture to flow down them gently. When Valiant Exteriors has completed an eaves trough installation, the gutter line should break away from the fascia line so consistently you hardly notice it.
However, Uneven Fascia Boards May Prevent This
We really have little choice here, because the top of the gutter line must be within the right distance range from the roof to prevent splashing. And it must also slope correctly, to ensure the optimum rate of water flow, so the moisture discharges into the storm water-drainage system, and not into the garden.
If the lower edges of the fascia boards or soffits are uneven, or wavy, then the distance from the bottom of the gutter line ebbs and flows too. Most times, this is within acceptable limits. But why does this variance happen in the first place?
- The fascia boards are nailed down tightly, instead of loosely through slotted holes in the material allowing for up-and-down flexing.
- The screws or nails attaching the fascias have either pulled loose, or the timbers cannot grip them because the wood is rotten,
We like to do a decent job at Valiant Exteriors, and treat every building we work on as our own. We’re happy to quote to realign uneven, wavy fascia boards. However, if the roof timbers are failing, we need to sort that out first.
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