How To Hang Wood Fascia Boards

Fascia boards are installed onto rafter ends or “tails” as part of the exterior trim after a house is completely framed. Fascia boards, soffit material, frieze boards, molds and rafter tails are components of an assembly that forms the overhang or “eave” of a wood frame house. Wood fascia is easy to install, though there are several installation techniques that are used to ensure that the fascia goes on straight and true. Unfinished red cedar provides the fascia with a color and a texture that has found favor among many home builders. Use the materials listed below and follow these simple steps to install wood fascia like a master carpenter.

Tools and Materials Needed

* Fascia boards
* Hammer
* Measuring tape
* Chalk line
* String line
* Circular saw
* 2-foot level
* Galvanized finishing nails

Step 1: Trim Uneven Rafter Tails

The first step is to make sure that the ends of the rafter tails are aligned in the same plane. Drive a nail halfway into the top edge of the plumb (vertical) cut of the rafter tail at one end of the eave. Hook a chalk line onto the nail, stretch it all the way to the rafter tail at the opposite end, align it with the plumb cut and snap the line. Using a circular saw, cut back any rafter tails that project beyond this line. Tie a string line to the same nail at the end rafter and to another nail placed in the same location at the opposite end rafter. The string line will show places where the rafter tails fall short of the plane.

Step 2: Install the Lookout Blocks

Install a 2x4 nailer flat onto the exterior wall surface so that the bottom edge is level with the level (horizontal) cut of the rafter tail. Measure horizontally from the nailer to the string line and cut a “lookout” block for each rafter tail. Install each block flat against the rafter tail and perpendicular to the nailer. The lookout blocks are used as the structural frame for both the soffit and the fascia. If the upper corner of the lookout block penetrates the roof plane, it will have to be chamfered. The fascia will be nailed into the butt end of the lookout blocks, and so should not have any bows in it where the rafter tails come up short.

Step 3: Cutting Fascia Boards

Adjust the circular saw to 45 degrees for a beveled cut. Fascia boards mitered at each end will provide a stronger joint than a butt joint and will better hide unsightly gaps. Use a measuring square to make sure each cut is square. Measure and cut each fascia board to length so that every joint falls on a lookout block.

Step 4 - Install the Fascia Boards

Next, install the fascia boards onto the eave. Make the top edge of the fascia even with the top corner of the plumb cut and nail into the butt end of every lookout block with galvanized finishing nails. If the rafter tails have uneven heights, the fascia boards will be installed with a side bend also known as a “crook” or a “crown”. If necessary, either by yourself or with some help, apply pressure in the opposite direction of the bend on the board’s free end as you nail into each lookout block. Sight along the top edge of the fascia as you install each board to make sure the fascia is straight along the entire eave.