Fascia is the board along the roof edge that your gutters hang from. Soffit is the underside of the overhang. Exterior trim covers the joints around windows, doors, and corners. None of it is glamorous, and all of it is the first place water sneaks in when paint or caulk fails.
Rot here is rarely just cosmetic. Failed fascia lets gutters sag and water reach the roof deck edge. Damaged soffit lets squirrels, birds, and wasps into the attic and can block the vents that keep it dry. Replacing sections early is cheap compared with replacing the roof edge later.
Material is a real choice. Wood looks classic and needs paint. PVC and cellular trim resist rot and cost more up front. Aluminum-wrapped fascia is common and low maintenance. Ask which one you are being quoted.
What it costs
| Item | Cost per linear foot | Typical total (100 to 200 ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Fascia boards | $5 to $12 | $500 to $2,400 |
| Soffit (1 to 2 ft wide) | $4 to $22 | $400 to $4,400 |
| Fascia and soffit together | $9 to $34 | $900 to $6,800 |
| Painting eaves | $4 to $14 | $400 to $2,800 |
| Repair of damaged sections | n/a | $500 to $2,600 |
From HomeGuide (2026). Labor runs $2 to $7 per linear foot for each of fascia and soffit, plus $1 to $7 for materials. Fascia replacement includes removing and reinstalling the gutters.
What moves the price
- Material
- Wood, PVC, composite, or aluminum.
- Linear feet
- Most homes have 100 to 200 linear feet of eaves.
- Height
- Second-story eaves take scaffolding.
- Rot and carpentry
- Rafter tail and sheathing repair is extra.
- Painting
- Wood and primed trim need paint; PVC may not.
Signs it is time
- Peeling paint or dark streaks along the roof edge
- Soft wood or visible holes you can poke a screwdriver into
- Gutters sagging or pulling away from the fascia
- Gaps or sagging in the soffit underside
- Animals or insects using the eaves
- Open joints in window and door trim with failed caulk
Questions to ask a pro
- Wood, PVC, or aluminum-wrapped, and why?
- Will the gutters come off and go back on, and is that in the price?
- Is the soffit vented, and will the new soffit keep the vents?
- How will rot found in the rafter tails be handled and priced?
- Is painting included and how many coats?
Common questions
Can I just paint rotted trim?
No. Paint over soft wood hides the problem and fails again quickly. Replace or repair the wood first.
Does this need a permit?
Usually not for like-for-like repair, but rules vary by town. Ask the pro and your building department.