Fascia boards play a vital role when it comes to the structure and curb appeal of your property. Whether weather-worn, damaged, or simply in need of a style update, there are many reasons why you need to give your fascia a facelift.
If you’re considering a fascia board replacement, the average cost is between $7 and $40 per linear foot, including materials and installation.
For a better estimate of the expenses associated with replacing your fascia boards, let’s get into the details of the factors that affect its cost.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Fascia Board Replacement
Material
Fascia boards were traditionally made of wood, but the market now offers various alternatives at different prices:
- Wood: Historically, wood has been the most economical yet less durable choice. Fascia boards made of wood are susceptible to water damage, rot, and mold, especially without regular maintenance and sealing.
Nevertheless, it remains a popular option due to its affordability, easy installation, and stainability. The cost for wood fascia typically ranges between $1 and $3 per linear foot.
- Fiber Cement: Fiber cement is a combination of cement and cellulose fibers. It’s a more durable alternative to wood and is priced between $1 and $5 per linear foot.
- Composite: Composite fascia boards are wood particles with resin that look like real wood. They are much more water-resistant and come at a reasonable cost, ranging from $1 to $8 per linear foot.
However, painting and installation can be more challenging compared to wood or fiber cement.
- PVC: Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, costs between $3 and $7 per linear foot. It’s a plastic that can be made to look like wood and is highly water resistant.
This material often needs specialized installation due to its tendency to expand and contract with temperature changes.
- Vinyl: Vinyl fascia shares the lightweight and water-resistant characteristics of PVC but with fewer drawbacks. It has a higher cost ranging from $5 to $9 per linear foot and is difficult to paint.
Some manufacturers, however, offer vinyl fascia in different colors to cater to different aesthetic preferences.
- Aluminum: Aluminum fascia boards require a bigger investment, with prices ranging from $8 to $20 per linear foot.
Installing them can be more challenging than other options, but their lightweight nature and extended lifespan compensate for the higher cost.
Board Length
The more fascia boards you need to replace, the more money you’ll have to spend on both materials and labor. How much you replace depends on how damaged your fascia is.
You might only need to replace a small part, or if it’s really worn out, it could be better to replace all of it at once. The exact amount needed will be different for every home, depending on how big it is and the shape of the roof edges.
You can figure this out by measuring each edge of the roof and adding the lengths to get an estimate of the total cost, considering the material you want to use.
Labor Costs
A licensed roofer usually charges between $6 and $20 in addition to the cost of materials for fixing or replacing the fascia.
How much you pay depends on how complicated the job is and how experienced the contractor is. If the contractor charges by the hour, any delays or extra time needed for the project will make the cost go up.
Additional Costs That May Be Incurred
Roof Inspection
It’s wise to have an annual inspection done so that professionals can offer insights into necessary repairs to help you stay ahead of potential issues like wood rot or damage to your soffit and fascia. A roof inspection costs from $75 to $810 (averaging $210).
Soffit Repair or Installation
A lot of homeowners also set up or fix soffits when they are replacing fascia boards. The cost is typically determined per square foot. Soffit sections are commonly sold in 12-foot lengths, priced between $10 and $23 each, depending on the chosen material.
Removal of Existing Soffit and Fascia
The removal of the existing soffit and fascia incurs $1 to $2 per linear foot. Whether this cost is a separate billing or included in the project expenses should be clarified with your roofing professional.
Drip Edges and Eaves Configuration
If your fascia boards are damaged, there’s a possibility that replacing the drip edge is also necessary. An improperly installed or damaged drip edge can allow water to seep behind your fascia boards.
Installing a drip edge is an additional cost, ranging from $1 to $3 per linear foot.
Gutter Replacement
Damaged gutters might need replacement, and it costs between $4 and $30 per linear foot. Signs of gutter damage include issues like mildew or mold problems in your home.
Other Roof Repairs
While replacing your fascia, roofers may see other areas in need of attention, such as shingles or drip edges.
Roof repair costs typically fall between $400 and $2,000, depending on the materials and labor required. Common roof problems and their average repair costs include:
How much does DIY fascia board replacement cost?
If you have considerable expertise in roofing, you DIY your fascia replacement.
However, you must be well-versed in working at elevated heights safely and have the necessary tools and equipment. Additionally, you must have a sound understanding of diagnosing issues for a successful DIY replacement.
If there are underlying issues that cause the need for fascia replacement, addressing these problems is also important. Not fixing these issues may result in recurring damage to the fascia sooner or later.
Going for a DIY approach means there’s no need to cover labor fees. Depending on how much you need, the materials alone will cost roughly $600.
However, taking on this task may not be everyone’s preferred choice.
If you find this less than appealing, it’s advisable to leave the project to the professionals. Consider hiring a roofing repair contractor in your area to ensure a hassle-free replacement process.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Purchase bulks of pre-cut soffit boards: Consider buying pre-cut soffit boards in bulk instead of custom-made pieces. This choice is more cost-effective whether you’re doing a DIY replacement or hiring a professional.
- Evaluate material costs vs. long-term durability: Weigh the immediate costs of materials against their long-term durability.
Always remember that investing in higher-end materials may seem pricier initially, but it can result in significant savings over time due to lower maintenance requirements.
- Shop around for materials: Explore different retailers and obtain quotes from various professionals. Comparing prices ensures you get the best value for your budget.
