How to seal gap on exterior wall near fascia?

Question

We are in the process of converting our internal gutters to external ones, and when we are trimming back the fascia this gap appears on the exterior wall of the house. What can we do to seal it back up so it's weathertight and the inside is not exposed?

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @burpblurpp,

@Dave-1 has already answered pretty much all of your questions.

With the framing, you'd want to use H2 framing in whatever size works best with your home. 70x35 is likely a good option, but there is also 70x45, 90x35 and 90x45 which could be options depending on what you already have. This framing would need to be nailed or screwed to the existing framing. Its primary purpose is to be something for the new weatherboard to attach into.

You would attach the weatherboard with either nails or screws, just make sure they are sufficiently long for the materials, and they are either galvanised or stainless steel. Either nails or screws can be used as long as they are embedded below the surface of the weatherboard so they can be covered with Exterior Timber Filler and then painted.

To seal the seams, use Selleys White No More Gaps Exterior Gap Filler. It is designed for exterior use and can be painted over. Check out How To Silicone a Gap for an example of a sealant being applied.

As Dave mentioned, yes, you would need to paint over the new timber and the unpainted old timber. The process is much the same as what Dave has said. After installation of the timber, fill any screw or nail holes, then sand everything smooth. Once sanded, wipe it down to remove dust and then seal the seams with your No More Gaps. After this, apply your colour matched exterior paint using a brush or roller. You'll need to apply at least two coats, allowing for adequate drying time between.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Dave-1 · Answer

Evening @burpblurpp

Lets see if I can answer some of the questions.

@JacobZ you mentioned to start with 1. some framing to back block the gap - could you explain what kind of framing specifically?

A1 - I think @JacobZ is talking about installing some timber frame (70*35mm blue stud timber) or whatever you have so it matches at least to the surface of the weatherboard area. Ir gives a backing so the new bit you add can be secured to the house via screws/nails

2. attaching the cut out block of timber to the back frame - what would be the best way to secure this attachment?

A2 - As above with the blue timber framing. All you need is something that will support the new piece you will make up.

3. apply silicone to seal the gap - do you have any specific recommendation on what kind of silicone to use do that it's weathertight?

A3 - Mmmm I would just go down the glue aisle and look for a exterior silastic that can be painted. (I dont know anything off the top of my head tho Id take a fair gues that @JacobZ or @Nailbag  would :)

4. I would have to paint over the block of timber as well as the exposured timber in red to make them weatherproof - what are the steps to best do this?

A4 - yes you would, I would sand back the sharp edges, then exterior putty to smooth it (builders bog) and sand some more before colour matching your pexisting paint.

You want to follow the same contour as your existing weatherboard in particular the wedge that sits behind the plate above so when it rains the water has to run downhill.

Dave

burpblurpp · Answer

Thank you for the advice - It would be nice to make a DIY job as you guys have mentioned. Apologies for the dumb questions below, but just looking for some more details so I can have a crack at this.

@JacobZ you mentioned to start with 1. some framing to back block the gap - could you explain what kind of framing specifically?

2. attaching the cut out block of timber to the back frame - what would be the best way to secure this attachment?

3. apply silicone to seal the gap - do you have any specific recommendation on what kind of silicone to use do that it's weathertight?

4. I would have to paint over the block of timber as well as the exposured timber in red to make them weatherproof - what are the steps to best do this?

Thanks in advance!