How to fix gaps in eaves?

Question

G’day everyone,

just bought an old house and there are gaps in the eaves all over the house. I was thinking of DIY repairs but not sure where to start. Do I seal the gaps with silka or do I just take the trims out and put it back flush against the brick wall?

Any ideas are much appreciated.

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @enchiridion

The gap appears to be quite excessive just to be settling of the building materials over time. With that much I would expect then to see other issues like internal and external cracks. So, I wonder if it was intentional as it's a very straight line.

You have two options using trim as the gap is too wide for a sealant.

* Remove the existing trim, and replace with new to cover the gap. But unless you use a larger trim size (which may not be available) you're going to be left with a raised paint line. You can see that where the small corner trim is missing. Depending on how fussy you are then it will need sanding back and the area repainted.
* This is the option I would go which, it to keep the trims in place and just replace the missing ones. Then attach new trim onto the existing one that runs along the gap. Pre-drill pilot holes and fix with brads and a thin bead of liquid nails on the brick side.

Nailbag

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Evening @enchiridion

It comes down to how much it might disturb you, houses do move about and shifting the trim might be work not needed (wait for it to rain and see if the 5mm becomes 3mm type deal. Ill be looking at mine when its daylight :)

Dave

enchiridion · Answer

thanks for the inputs @EricL and @Dave-1! Will definitely try that.

It’s around 5mm gap. We had done a structural and pest inspection prior to purchasing, inspector said it’s likely duty to settling of the building. I have not had a carpenter assess it though.