All-Pro Gutter Installation Team
25+ years of gutter expertise in Houston, TX • Published 2026-01-12
Here's an industry secret: many gutter companies don't inspect fascia boards. They show up, mount new gutters on whatever's there, and leave. If the fascia is rotted, those new gutters will pull away within 1-3 years — and you'll be paying for the job twice. Learn how to choose an installer who does it right.
What Is the Fascia Board?
The fascia is the vertical board that runs along the edge of your roof, directly behind the gutters. It serves two purposes:
- Structural support — It's what your gutters are mounted to
- Weather barrier — It seals the gap between the roof edge and the soffit
Fascia boards are typically made of wood (pine, cedar, or composite), though some modern homes use aluminum-wrapped or PVC fascia.
Why Fascia Rots
Gutter overflow — When gutters clog and water backs up, it soaks into the fascia board behind them. Regular gutter cleaning prevents this. Over years, this causes rot that's invisible from the ground.
Failed gutter pitch — Gutters that don't pitch correctly toward downspouts hold standing water against the fascia.
Ice damage — Rare in Houston, but cold snaps can cause freeze-thaw cycles that crack paint and expose wood to moisture.
Age — Even without water problems, wood fascia eventually deteriorates after 20-30 years of exposure.
How to Tell If Your Fascia Needs Repair
From the ground:
- Paint peeling or bubbling on the fascia
- Visible discoloration (dark spots)
- Gutters pulling away from the house
- Visible gaps between the gutter and fascia
Up close (during gutter service):
- Soft or spongy wood when pressed with a screwdriver
- Crumbling or flaking texture
- Dark staining that won't wash off
- Insect damage (carpenter ants love rotted wood)
Our Fascia Inspection Process
Every gutter installation we do includes a thorough fascia inspection. Here's our process:
- Visual inspection of every linear foot of fascia
- Probe test — We press a screwdriver into the wood at multiple points. Healthy fascia is firm; rotted fascia gives way
- Moisture check in suspected areas
- Documentation — We photograph any damage and show it to you before proceeding
- Repair quote — If repairs are needed, we provide a separate line-item quote so you know exactly what you're paying for
Repair vs. Replace
Repair — If damage is limited to a small section (under 4 feet) and the surrounding wood is healthy, we can cut out the damaged section and splice in new wood. Cost: $5-$10 per linear foot.
Full replacement — If damage extends across an entire run or the board has been compromised throughout, we replace the entire fascia board. Cost: $8-$15 per linear foot.
Material upgrade — We can replace wood fascia with composite (like Azek or HardieTrim) that never rots, never needs painting, and lasts indefinitely. Cost: $12-$20 per linear foot.
Why We Don't Skip This Step
Mounting gutters on bad fascia is negligent. We stake our reputation on installations that last, and that starts with a solid foundation. If we find fascia damage during your estimate, we'll explain the issue, show you the damage, and give you options. We never mount gutters on compromised wood. Learn about the full soffit and fascia system, or contact us for a free estimate that includes fascia inspection with every gutter installation.