Wood Fascia Repair on Your Los Angeles Home

There’s no shortage of Wood damage on homes throughout Los Angeles and surrounding Counties. As a matter of fact, I’d argue that most all the home’s structure and trim in Southern California are mostly constructed of some type of wood product. With that in mind, there is also no shortage in wood (dry) rot and thus the need to perform Wood Fascia Repair

Fascia wood rot, wood damage isn’t it the same?

Fist of all lets talk about what causes rot. Simplified, the decomposition of wood is caused by Fungi such as for example decay fungi. Without getting too technical, the fungi will break down the wood by secreting enzymes which in turn creates a chemical reaction thus dissolving the woods cell walls.

This type of fungi requires 4 conditions in order to live. Remove one of these conditions and Fungi cannot survive.

Oxygen
Water (but very little actually)
Mild temperatures
Food (the wood)

Fascia wood rot simply according to Wikipedia

According to Wikipedia, “Dry rot is an 18th-century term that generally described what is now called brown rot. The term was used because the damage was present in cured or dried timber of ships and buildings and was thought to be caused by internal ‘fermentations’ rather than water.”

The term Dry rot refers to the decay of timbers from only certain species of fungi that are thought to provide their own source of moisture and nutrients to cause decay in otherwise relatively dry timber.Wiki

Exactly what is a Fascia

Fascia boards are installed at the end of the roof rafters in order to conceal the rafter cuts, or ends. Essentially the Fascia trim is a superficial decorative component. In other words, the fascia can be removed at the home owners discretion.

What does the building code say about this?

In most cases the wood fascia can be removed unless… there is direct access into the attic space in which case, wood fascia repair is needed (if damaged). The reason for this is in the 2018 California Residential building code section R337.6.1 “General. Where provided, ventilation openings for enclosed attics, enclosed eave soffit spaces, enclosed rafter spaces … to resist building ignition from the intrusion of burning embers and flame through the ventilation opening.”

Los Angeles Wood Fascia Repair Specialists

how difficult is it to find that one company that not only works on fascia repairs but specialists in it? Well, that company is us, patiocovered.com. As a matter of fact, we replace approximately 1800 Lineal feet of wood fascia every single month on average. So yea, i think we know a thing or two about working with fascia.

Old wood fascia vs. New wood fascias

Did you know that a 2×4 is not really 2″ x 4″? “Huh? Wait, you mean to tell me that there are different wood thicknesses? I thought all wood was the same dimensions“. Although when we say a wood member is 2×10 we’re not really saying the wood is exactly 2″ x 10″. Older wood is in many cases, genuine dimensions. Which is to say, a 2×4 is really 2″ x 4”.

Nominal vs. Dimensional Lumber

According to Wikipedia, “In manufacturing, a nominal size or trade size is a size “in name only” used for identification. The nominal size may not match any dimension of the product, but within the domain of that product the nominal size may correspond to a large number of highly standardized dimensions and tolerances”.

Dimensional lumber is a term used for lumber that is finished – planed and cut – to a standardized width and depth specified in inches according to “ Engineering ToolBox “. The general rule of thumb when converting nominal dimensions to actual dimensions is to deduct 1/4 inch for wood dimensions under 2″ inches. We subtract 1/2″ for wood under 8″ and 3/4” for wood with larger dimensions. When choosing wood to repair the fascia, it’s essential to verify whether the wood is older or newer.

Wood Trim Fascia Finishes

Dressed lumber or surfaced lumber has been plained and jointed after it’s been dried
Rough Sawn wood is rough wood which has not been dressed
Clear wood is select wood which is usually free of imperfections
Distressed wood is usually weathered by use of sandblasting or other ancillary tool or method

Fascia wood will typically come with one side rough and the other side smooth.

Wood fascia trim alternatives (that won’t rot or otherwise deteriorate)

Who wants to repair their fascia every 20 years? There’s a couple different options you have to choose from when it comes to rot restive wood.

Redwood
Composite wood like Trex

Unlike traditional wood which is will absolutely deteriorate over time, redwood and composite wood will not. Not to mention the fact that redwood and composite is readily available at your local lumber yard. traditionally, redwood and composite woods cost a little more initially, but as mentioned previously, it lasts an extremely long time.