How much does it cost to repair roof eaves?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Roof eaves extend the roof beyond the walls of your home. When properly designed and installed, they provide shade and divert water away from features of your home that are vulnerable to moisture damage. They are made up of the soffit, the underside where the roof meets the home’s siding, and the fascia, the foreword-facing transition trim that runs along the roof and home’s sides. Keeping them in good condition protects your residence from the elements and maintains the structure’s curbside appeal.

The national average cost for repairing eaves and overhang damage costs from $460 to $1,330, with most homeowners paying around $900 to have a carpenter replace a 30 linear foot section of wooden soffit and fascia damaged by moisture or insects. This project’s low cost is $180 to replace improperly installed fasteners on a 30 linear foot section. The high cost is $9,000 to replace 300 linear feet of wooden rotted eaves.

Roof Eaves Repair

Roof Eaves Repair Cost by by Linear Footage

Your roof eave repair is typically measured in linear feet because fascia and soffit are measured, sold, and installed in linear feet. Many repairs involve removing and replacing sections of these areas or all of them for widespread damage. Other repairs may involve repairing small amounts of surface damage along the length of the eave. Therefore, most repair costs are measured in linear feet. The average cost to repair roof eaves is $6 to $20 a linear foot, depending on the material your eaves are made from and how extensive the damage is.

Measure your roof eaves by measuring the length of your home along each side where the roof overhangs. Gable and shed roofs have both eaves and rakes, which is the area that extends forward on the home and requires your installer to measure for you. Below are the average costs for repairing eaves and overhangs of varying lengths.

Roof Eaves Repair Cost by Type

There are four different eaves types or styles. Most homes have a soffited eave, meaning the bottom of the eave is covered with a soffit. However, it is possible to have a home with open eaves. Open eaves mean nothing covers the bottom. This can cause problems with moisture in some areas but can also allow better ventilation in some very hot, dry climates.

In addition to these two types, you can also have a decorative eave known as a boxed eave. In a boxed eave, additional material is built out on the front of the home. This can only be done on different types of gable roofs and not on a hipped roof. The abbreviated eave does not extend past the walls of the home but ends perpendicularly to them. This means there is no overhang or soffit, so only a fascia is needed. Because open and abbreviated eaves have less material, they have lower repair costs than a soffited or boxed eave, which has additional decorative material. However, open and abbreviated eaves are far less common than soffited eaves. Below are the average costs to replace 300 linear feet of damaged eaves based on the different eave types.

Roof Eaves Repair Cost by Type of Repair

Three basic areas of the eaves may require repair, influencing your final costs. These include the fascia, or front section of the eave, the soffit, the underside covering of the eave, and the rafter tail, which is the interior portion of the eave. Costs for repairing the fascia and soffit are different from the costs of repairing the rafter tail because to reach the tail, you must first remove the soffit in most cases. While fascia and soffits are sold and installed by the linear foot, rafter tails are sold and installed by the board foot, so costs can differ. In most cases, if your rafter tails are impacted, it may only be one or a few. Rarely are all the rafters impacted, so while you may need to make repairs to the entirety of the fascia or soffit, you may only need to repair a few rafters.

Rafter Tail Repair

Repairs can become complicated with a rafter tail repair, averaging $3 to $12 a board foot. The rafters of your home act as the roof’s skeletal support system. Rafter tails are sections that reach beyond the exterior walls. The tails act as the foundation for the attachment of the fascia and the soffit. Eave damage may include damage to the rafter tails, which is most commonly softening or rotting of the wood. This happens when moisture gets into the eaves and there is insufficient ventilation. So if your fascia and soffit go too long without repair, the problems may spread inside to the rafters.

Fascia Repair

The price to repair fascia runs from $6 to $16 per linear foot. Fascia boards can sustain cracking, peeling, spots of rot, or pest damage. When you discover damage to the fascia boards on your home, have a professional carpenter or roofer inspect the entire area. Some damage, such as a crack or hole, may be localized and either patched or a small section may be removed and replaced. Other damage is more widespread, such as extensive rot and cracking that may extend the length of the fascia. Having an experienced person find the root cause of the damage will likely save you money in the long run.

Soffit Repair

The cost to repair cracks, rot, peeling paint, and other damage to a soffit ranges from $6 to $20 per linear foot. The soffit is on the underside of the eave and is usually perforated or vented to allow air to circulate. If it is wood, it may rot, peel, or crack with time. Often, the soffit may be made of other materials like vinyl, which may warp or crack, or aluminum that can fade or dent. The repairs on a soffit are relatively easy for an experienced carpenter or repair person. They will also know how to identify deeper problems within the roof or eaves, which might also need to be addressed.

Roof Eaves Repair Cost by Type of Replacement

The price to replace the fascia and soffit areas of your eaves ranges from $15 to $30 per linear foot, including labor, or $6 to $12 per board foot for rafter tail replacement. The facia is the least expensive area to replace. A roof tail replacement tends to cost the most because you need a skilled roofer for these repairs. Have a skilled professional inspect your eaves to determine if they need replacing. Below is a chart outlining the repair price, including labor and materials.

Rafter Tail Replacement

Rafter tail replacement is complicated and usually costs $6 to $12 per board foot. Sometimes, you are quoted for the entire project based on your roof size, pitch, slope, and the area that requires replacement. The rafters of your home provide support for the roof. The rafter tails extend beyond the exterior walls to the eaves of the home. The soffit and fascia are attached to the rafter tails. In some situations, your home might have a complicated rafter tail system known as a truss system. If damage occurs to the rafters, it will require prompt replacement by an experienced roofing contractor.

Fascia Replacement

The cost to replace fascia ranges from $15 to $20 per linear foot for labor and materials. The fascia stands up to the elements and serves as a mount for your home’s gutter system. The price to replace the fascia varies depending on the extent of the damage and the materials used to replace the damaged area. Recently, contractors and homeowners have started opting for PVC and vinyl replacements because they are more durable, affordable, and require less maintenance than wood and aluminum.

Soffit Replacement

Soffit replacement costs range from $20 to $30 per linear foot for labor and materials. Soffit damage occurs for various reasons. The area can crack, rust, or rot if it is wood. Sometimes, you need the entire damaged section of the soffit replaced. Luckily, it is a very easy replacement job for an experienced carpenter or repair person. Soffits can be found in different materials, including vinyl, fiber cement, and aluminum, and they may be solid or ventilated, impacting their replacement cost.

Roof Eaves Repair Cost by Type of Problem

Depending on the material your fascia and soffit are made from, the eaves type and size, and the architectural style of your roof, your eaves could develop many different issues. Some of these issues are only loosely related to the eaves, such as clogged gutters, which may cause water to back up into the eaves and lead to leaks, or pests that get into your eaves. Other problems may be confined to one area on the eaves, while others may be due to the eaves’ material. For example, aluminum does not crack or peel but fades, wood may peel, and vinyl can sag, warp, and crack. These various problems can lead to a wide range of repair costs because some problems are easily repaired while others require more extensive work. Depending on how widespread the problem is and the eaves’ material there can be a range of costs. Below are some of the most common repair costs for eaves based on the problems you may experience.

Clogged Gutters

The cost to deal with clogged gutters is $0.70 to $3.20 a linear foot, depending on the gutter height and how badly they are clogged. Clogged gutters can cause leaks in your eaves because the clogged gutter may cause water to back up to the top of the fascia board. When this happens, the water may get trapped inside the eaves and cause leaks. Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of leaking eaves. Keeping the gutters clean helps prevent issues with your eaves down the road.

Leaking Eaves

The cost of repairing leaking eaves ranges from $0.70 to $30 a linear foot. The most common cause of leaking eaves is your gutters backing up. Cleaning them helps fix the problem. However, other issues may include ice dams, cracked or missing fascia, missing flashing from the roof edge, or missing soffit below. Replacing cracked or missing fascia or missing flashing can help solve the issue. Sometimes, missing fascia can cause leaks inside your home because water can travel from the eaves through your roof, leading to potential water damage.

Cracked Eaves

The cost to repair cracked eaves ranges from $6 to $20 a linear foot. Cracks in the eaves most commonly occur in the fascia, although you may see some cracks in the soffit as well. Cracks in the soffit are less of an issue. You want ventilation through your soffit, and most soffits are designed with perforations or holes to let air through. However, cracks in the fascia could allow water to get in, which could lead to wood rot or leaks. Cracks in vinyl soffits or fascia require replacement. Cracks in wood may be patchable, depending on the damage extent. Extensive cracking may require replacement of the affected area.

Loose Section on Eaves

The cost to fix a loose section on your eaves averages $6 to $20 a linear foot, depending on the material. If your fascia or soffit were improperly installed, they could come loose over time. This can allow moisture to infiltrate the rafters, potentially causing roof leaks and other issues. Therefore, fixing the loose sections in a timely way can help prevent other damage from occurring. The most common repair for this issue is to replace the fasteners or reinforce them, depending on the material and how it is attached to the home.

Sagging Eaves

Repairing sagging eaves ranges from $6 to $30 a linear foot. Sagging usually refers to the soffit or underside of the eave rather than the fascia. The soffit may sag or appear to be sagging for a few reasons. If the soffit is not ventilated, a large amount of water collecting above it could cause it to sag, in which case it would need to be replaced. A vinyl soffit could warp and appear to be bowing or sagging and would also require replacement. However, an improperly fastened soffit may also appear to be sagging. This is an easier repair and requires the replacement of the fasteners to hold the soffit securely in place.

Rotted Eaves Repair

The cost to repair sections of rotting eaves ranges from $6 to $30 per linear foot. Many areas of the eaves may rot. Repairing rotting fascia may have a different cost than repairing rotting soffits. Rafter ends may also be impacted, depending on the scope of the problem. Rotting eaves are most commonly caused by extensive water damage. Clogged gutters over an extended time, missing fascia allowing water to infiltrate the rafters, or fascia or soffit that is not regularly painted and maintained can all lead to rotting eaves. As such, this tends to be one of the most expensive repairs because the issue can often be widespread rather than localized. It often requires replacement of the impacted areas.

Holes in Eaves

The cost to repair a hole in your eaves ranges from $100 to $200 per hole. Holes in your eaves can be caused by woodpeckers, extensive wood rot, or extensively cracked vinyl. Depending on the material and location, you may be able to patch the hole. In other cases, you need to replace the section of the eave with the hole. For example, if there is a hole in your vinyl fascia, you need to replace that piece. Holes in the soffit are usually less concerning unless they are extremely large because the soffit is designed to be perforated with small holes in most cases.

Pests Inside Eaves

The cost to deal with pests inside your eaves ranges from $275 to $650, depending on the issue and location. Eaves can be the nesting place for many different pests and vermin, including bats, rats, raccoons, birds, and insects like bees and wasps. If there is a large enough crack or hole in your eaves, or if you have a section of fascia or soffit missing, pests may easily enter your eaves to make their home. The cost of dealing with the issue depends on the pest, how large the infestation is, and how they entered the eaves because the cause needs to be addressed to prevent their return. Animals that may be in the eaves can be trapped, and the hole sealed, while wasps or bees must be removed.

Mold Inside Eaves

The cost of dealing with mold inside your eaves is $500 to $1,000. Mold can be a problem if you have had ongoing moisture issues. If your soffit is not ventilated and moisture has been allowed to collect in the attic area, mold may begin to grow. Sometimes, only the attic is impacted, while the mold may spread to the eaves at other times. Preventing mold in the eaves can be done with a ventilated soffit and ensuring the exterior stays in good condition. Once mold occurs, it should be removed to protect the air quality of your home and prevent further damage.

Roof Eaves Repair Cost by Solution

You may find that to repair your eaves, you need to replace the affected sections. Cracked, rotting, warped, and otherwise damaged fascia, soffit, and rafters require replacement to correct. However, there are also cases where the issue is not widespread and could be dealt with on its own, such as fixing fasteners, patching a hole, removing pests, and removing mold. The more widespread an issue, the more likely a replacement of the affected area will be the recommended repair method. For example, one small hole may be patched, but multiple holes or one large hole may require replacement of that section. The material your fascia and soffit are made from and the location of the issue all impact the cost. Below are the average costs for some of the most common repairs.

Replace Fasteners on Eaves

The cost to replace fasteners on your eaves is roughly $6 to $20 a linear foot. If your fascia or soffits are sagging, loose, or coming off, it could be due to faulty or improperly installed fasteners. In this case, the most common repair method is to install new fasteners and reattach the affected pieces. In some situations, such as with vinyl soffits, you may need to reinforce the fastener by reattaching it or renailing it to hold the vinyl. However, this solution can only be carried out if the fascia or soffit is still in good shape. Replacing the fasteners will not completely correct the problem if it has been sagging and has now bowed or warped. In this case, the affected area would require replacement.

Replace Eaves

The cost to replace eaves varies from $15 to $30 a linear foot, depending on the area being replaced and the material. It is one of the most common solutions to problems with the area. Replacement usually refers to the fascia, soffit, or both, although it can also refer to the rafter tails. Replacing the fascia and the soffit can help improve your home’s curb appeal while also helping prevent future problems with moisture inside. Replacement is generally the solution if the issues are extensive, rather than confined to a small area. There are many different materials you can use for your eaves. Wood is inexpensive but is more likely to develop problems over time. So, many people opt for other materials, such as PVC (vinyl), fiber cement, and aluminum. If you have a siding material other than wood, it is common to use that material or a similar one on the eaves. Below are the average costs for the different materials per linear foot.

Patch Holes in Eaves

The cost to patch a hole in your fascia or soffit ranges from $100 to $200 per hole. Small holes caused by woodpeckers or other minor damage can sometimes be patched with a wood compound. This helps prevent further damage to the area by keeping out water and pests. However, soffits are often designed to have holes incorporated into them, and it is only much larger holes that may require attention. If there are numerous holes or the material cannot be patched, such as vinyl, you may need to replace the impacted section to fix the problem.

Pest Control

The cost to effectively remove pests and vermin from your eaves ranges from $275 to $750. Many different animals and insects may get into your eaves. Wasp nests in eaves, birds nesting in roof eaves, and raccoons in the eaves of a house are very common issues in some areas. Birds, bats, squirrels, rats, and bees can enter your eaves through relatively small holes. Many people find that the hole the pest entered from is so small they initially overlooked it as the source of the infestation. Pest control depends on the issue. For example, the cost of removing bats from eaves is different from the cost of getting rid of squirrels in eaves. And the amount of damage each one leaves behind may lead to other repair costs. In most cases, animals need to be trapped and removed, and then the area sealed and their waste cleaned.

Mold Remediation in Eaves

The cost of mold remediation in your eaves ranges from $500 to $1,000. If you have had a lot of moisture in your eaves and they are not properly ventilated, this can lead to mold growth. Once mold is discovered, it should be scrubbed from all surfaces to prevent its spread into other parts of the attic. In most cases, special cleaners are used along with scrubbing equipment to clean the eaves, and ventilation needs to be added to help dry out the area. If the eaves are wet, they may need to be left open to dry until the mold is cleared before new fascia or soffit can be installed.

Eaves Repair Labor Cost

The average labor cost to repair your eaves is $75 to $150 an hour or between $6 and $20 a linear foot, depending on how your contractor prices the job. The most common repair is to remove the impacted sections and replace them. For the average 300 linear feet of fascia, this will take roughly 10 hours, with labor costs of $750 to $1,500 if replacing all the fascia on a home. Many people work on eaves, including roofers, siding installers, general contractors, some handymen, and carpenters.

If the issue is more localized, the repairs may take 3 to 4 hours at a cost of $225 to $600 in labor for patching cracks or removing and replacing a small section of damaged fascia or soffit. In most cases, your contractor will likely inspect the entirety of your eaves before making repairs. This inspection is usually free so that the contractor can give you an estimated cost of the repairs and what will need to be done. Sometimes, the damage on the surface may not appear to be bad, but a closer inspection reveals significant issues that require more work.

When Should I Repair My Eaves?

In addition to the times when you notice that there is damage to the eaves on your home, including leaks, missing sections, and visible rot, holes, or cracks, there may be other times when you may want to consider repairing or replacing this area. An ideal time to have your eaves inspected, repaired, or replaced is when you have any exterior work done on the roof or siding. If you have new gutters installed, this is another time when the eaves are exposed and may benefit from having a more in-depth inspection, repair, or replacement.

Most roof work and siding installations impact your eaves because trim, siding, and roof materials come in contact with this area. So if you have problems with your home’s exterior or are updating your roof or siding, speak to your contractor about inspecting your eaves, their condition, and whether this is a good time to make repairs or replacements. Having your eaves repaired or replaced when working on the rest of your home’s exterior may lower your labor rates, resulting in a better project cost.

Eaves Maintenance

It cannot be stressed enough how proper eaves maintenance and care extends their life. Regular gutter cleanings, snow and ice removal, and yearly homeowner inspections ensure that each part of your roof and eaves continues to do its job and offers adequate protection. It is recommended to visually inspect the eaves yearly to look for cracks, holes, and missing sections of fascia or soffit that could indicate a problem. However, caring for them is vital if you live in an area where months of snow and freezing temperatures are common. When snow buildup is allowed on the roof, the heat from the interior can cause the snow to melt. This water will travel down the slope, collect at the eaves and gutters, and freeze, causing an ice dam. Snow on the roof continues to melt, creating an ever-growing pool of water. If left unaddressed, ice builds up and puts increased weight on the eaves and gutters. The water eventually finds its way through the roof surface. It can travel through the insulation, into the interior walls and ceilings, and down the slope of the roof, eventually causing rot in the rafter tails and all parts of the eaves.

Water damage is probably the greatest threat to your home. Similar to when an ice dam forms, a buildup of debris in your gutters causes water to overflow. Gutter cleanings, snow removal, and yearly inspections prevent small problems from becoming big problems. These preventative measures go a long way toward keeping your roof functioning properly and identifying potential problems before the damage can spread.

Cost to Repair vs Replace Roof Eaves

The cost to replace an eave averages $15 to $30 per linear foot for materials and labor, depending on the part being replaced. The price to repair them averages $6 to $20 per linear foot, depending on the repair. In most cases, repair necessitates a replacement of at least the impacted area, if not the entire surface. If the issue is widespread, it makes the most sense to replace all the components of your eaves at once to give them a cohesive look. Otherwise, some small sections may need to be replaced to deal with the problem.

In most cases, repairing the components of the eaves requires the replacement of specific sections of soffit, fascia, or rafter tails. Some small, localized issues can be addressed without replacement, but in most situations, you will find that at least a portion of the eave may require replacement to address the issues. Below is a chart outlining the cost to repair eaves versus replacing them.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Paint Eaves on a House

Sanding and painting the eaves costs around $4 to $10 a linear foot. If your eaves are peeling or fading, you may want to have them painted. Painting wooden eaves helps prevent future problems like wood rot while painting aluminum or vinyl eaves can improve curb appeal. Eaves are often considered part of your home’s trim when it comes to painting. They frequently match the home’s trim in color and sometimes material. It is also very common to use materials on the eaves that match the siding material, and some of these materials do not require regular painting.

Extending Roof Overhang

Depending on your home’s architectural design, you might want to extend the roof overhang, costing from $100 to $150 per running foot with material and labor included. When extending the overhang, check with your local building code department. In some areas, an eave can only extend past the wall a certain distance because of the danger of wind catching the overhang and ripping the roof off.

Eave Protectors

Eave protectors cost from $2 to $5 per sq.ft. and are made of inexpensive materials. However, they protect and extend the life of your soffit and fascia. These protectors, also known as ice-barrier membranes, are adhesive strips layered between the end of the shingles and gutters. They prevent water pooling and ice buildup during cold weather months.

Eaves Ventilation Strip

Installing eave vent strips, also called continuous soffit, costs $10 to $30 per linear foot. Water and moisture are a major threat to your home, and the vent strips improve air circulation and prevent moisture collection in your attic. Condensation collecting in the attic can damage your roof and encourage the growth of unhealthy mold and mildew.

Drip Edge Installation

A drip edge costs $1 to $2 per linear foot for material and installation. However, the cost of the drip edge is usually included in the cost of a roof replacement. The drip edge runs along the fascia and roof deck and directs the water coming down into the gutter. It prevents water from backing up on the fascia and under the shingles. Install or upgrade drip edges to create a watertight seal around the entire eave.

Gutter Cleaning Service

The cost to clean gutters by a professional service averages $200 to $400, depending on your location. Gutters are an essential part of your roof and eaves. It is a good time to have eaves cleaned when you repair them. If they become clogged with leaves and other debris, the debris forms a dam or blockage, causing the water to pool up in the gutter and overflow. The water can lead to rot and mold and mildew growth, easily damaging them.

Roof Gutter Repair

The gutters of your home often require repair, ranging from $100 to $250, depending on the problem. You might also need to reattach a loose section or repair a loose downspout. If the water from the leaking gutter damaged the eaves, you might need to have a section of the eave fixed or replaced before repairing the gutter. Gutters attach to your eaves on the fascia. If they begin to sag or bow, they can pull the fascia from your eaves, so sagging gutters need to be repaired. They can also leak, which can cause water damage to the eaves. If the damage is too extensive, the best option is to replace them. On average, replacing gutters costs between $3.65 to $50.85 per linear foot.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits and licenses. In only extreme cases, when there is extensive water or mold damage, do you need a permit to repair an eave. However, ensure your contractor or carpenter is properly licensed and insured in your state.
• Emergency repairs. Emergency repair for a fallen tree or water damage from a neglected leak costs significantly more money. Often, carpenters and roofers charge an additional $100 to $300 fee for emergency repair calls.
• DIY. Some repairs may be DIY. However, hiring a pro is highly recommended because damage, particularly water damage, can be more extensive than can be seen with a visual inspection. Often, what you can see, damage to the eaves, can indicate that the entire area (fascia, soffit, and rafters) may need replacement.
• Estimates. An estimate gives you an idea of the final cost so that you have no surprises. The estimate should include the price of all labor and materials. It should also give you a general idea of how long the repair will take. Get three estimates and go with the one that seems the fairest.
• Lifespan. The lifespan of your eaves depends on several things, including the material and your climate. They could last 10 to 50 years on average.
• Insurance. Insurance may pay for the repairs if the damage to your eaves was due to a storm or other natural disaster. Speak to your adjuster for more information.
• Location. Costs may be higher for 2 or 3-story homes than for 1-story homes. The height of your eaves varies based on the home shape and roof pitch, so you may have varying costs per foot over the entirety of your home. Speak to your installer for more information.
• Configuration. The configuration of the eaves depends largely on the roof and architecture of the home. Except for the eaves’ style, this configuration has no bearing on repair costs.
• Inspection. Upon inspection, if you feel your eaves need work, consider having a professional do a complete inspection before proceeding. While inspection from below is fine for a homeowner, climbing onto the roof yourself without the proper equipment is not advisable. The average cost of a roof inspection is between $100 and $600.