Rot Happens

bc8768
Jul 1
2 min read

Fixing the Roof Eaves & Replacing Shingles (Because of Course It Was Worse Than I Thought) By Joe, Blue Collar Green Thumb

I was just going up there to replace a couple shingles. That’s all. Simple job. In and out before lunch.

You know how this ends, right?

Step 1: Spot the Soft Spot

I climbed up with a bundle of shingles and a nail gun. Looked down near the edge and thought, “Huh, that wood looks... suspicious.” Tapped it with my hammer and my hammer went through it.

Rotted eave. Water damage. Possibly mold. Definitely a project now.

Step 2: Say a Few Words

I’d love to tell you I calmly assessed the situation and made a rational repair plan. What really happened was: I stood on the ladder for five minutes silently not swearing, then texted my wife, “cancel lunch...and May, maybe June”

Step 3: Tear It Down

Off came the fascia board. Off came the soffit. A raccoon could’ve been living in there and I wouldn’t have been surprised. Once I had everything opened up, I saw the real MVP of this job: water. Lots of it. For what looked like years.

So I cut back all the rotted wood, sistered in new rafters, and rebuilt the eave from scratch. Because if you're already up there, might as well go full send.

Step 4: Rebuild & Re-Sheet

Installed fresh fascia board (treated), replaced the soffit panel (vented, because I actually learned something from YouTube this time), and sealed every edge tighter than a drum.

Then I laid down new sheathing and got to re-shingling — which was the original job, remember? Ah, memories.

Step 5: Shingles, Finally

I lined up the starter strip, nailed down the new architectural shingles, and blended them into the old roof like a patchy beard. Does it match perfectly? No. Do I care? Also no. It doesn’t leak, and nobody sees that part of the roof anyway — unless they’re nosy with a drone.

Joe’s Bonus Tips:

Always check your eaves and edges when replacing shingles. If it feels soft, it’s probably rotted.
Wear gloves. Old shingles are sharp. Don’t ask how I know.
Don't start this job if you're wearing church clothes “just to take a quick look.”

Next time someone says “it’s just a few shingles,” I’m gonna throw them my pry bar and say “Go for it.”