What wood to use to repair fascia

[masraum]

Fascia usually looks like smooth cheap pine.

Is there any point in using cedar for it's additional resistance to rot and insects? Most cedar comes finished on one face which could be out, right?

Cement board (hardi or whatever) seems like another option, but it's often shaped to look like it's got a heavy wood grain texture which wouldn't go with the existing smooth pine.

Or should pine work fine as long as everything else is correct. IE, I've heard that the drip edge should not touch the fascia, but should instead have a small gap to direct water away from the fascia, but in our new place, there are spots where there is no gap.

Just working on planing our repairs.

We have some spots where the fascia is not in good shape. Usually it's small spots of just a few inches here and there. I'd like to make repairs and then get the roof replaced this fall.

[Bugsinrugs]

My facia is all redwood. Nice until the carpenter bees discovered it. I’ve been patching holes and then painting adding a insecticide to the paint. So far it seems to work but Highest part of my house is yet to be done.

[drcoastline]

Everything is a compromise. Yes you can use pine or cedar or hardi plant or in my area Coastal New Jersey PVC board (Azek is a brand) there are others. It won't rot, doesn't need to be painted but can be to match.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by drcoastline

Everything is a compromise. Yes you can use pine or cedar or hardi plant or in my area Coastal New Jersey PVC board (Azek is a brand) there are others. It won't rot, doesn't need to be painted but can be to match.

For rakes and fascia boards we typically use framing lumber and wrap it with aluminum. Windows, doors and corner boards we trim in PVC.

[MBAtarga]

Steve,
Not all cement products have wood grain. Our house has it exclusively and it is all smooth:

HardieTrim HZ10 1 in. x 4 in. x 10 ft. Fiber Cement Smooth Trim Board
Internet #202035449
Model #216751
Store SKU #300873

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by dad911

For rakes and fascia boards we typically use framing lumber and wrap it with aluminum. Windows, doors and corner boards we trim in PVC.

That is true, same around here. But, now they are moving away from wrapping in aluminum. They used to wrap everything in PVC coated aluminum. Now it's going to PVC or all Hardi siding and trim.

[A930Rocket]

I’ve used either Hardie type material or wrapped with aluminum forever. The higher priced homes get the Hardie type.

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by masraum

Fascia usually looks like smooth cheap pine.

Is there any point in using cedar for it's additional resistance to rot and insects? Most cedar comes finished on one face which could be out, right?

Cement board (hardi or whatever) seems like another option, but it's often shaped to look like it's got a heavy wood grain texture which wouldn't go with the existing smooth pine.

Or should pine work fine as long as everything else is correct. IE, I've heard that the drip edge should not touch the fascia, but should instead have a small gap to direct water away from the fascia, but in our new place, there are spots where there is no gap.

Just working on planing our repairs.

We have some spots where the fascia is not in good shape. Usually it's small spots of just a few inches here and there. I'd like to make repairs and then get the roof replaced this fall.

Since it sounds as though you are just making repairs I think (what I would do) is replace the damaged pieces with like kind material. It's easiest and will achieve the most uniform outcoming. Mixing materials creates expansion/contraction issues. may show a difference in face finish, etc. Aesthetically will probably look the best as well.

[masraum]

Thanks folks

[masraum]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

Steve,
Not all cement products have wood grain. Our house has it exclusively and it is all smooth:

HardieTrim HZ10 1 in. x 4 in. x 10 ft. Fiber Cement Smooth Trim Board
Internet #202035449
Model #216751
Store SKU #300873

That's good to know.

It's weird that all of the stuff that I normally see at the big box stores have the crazy over emphasized grain that doesn't look natural.

[Reg]

Accoya wood is a great choice if you want to keep using wood. Planes smooth and decay warranty for 50 years above grade.