Best way to secure fasica boards to hardwood joists?

[TingHsu]

Hello,

We want to put fascia boards on the hardwood joists. As some of the joists have small splits on them (please see photo for an example), could using the screws split them further? What might be the best way to secure fascia boards in this case? Thanks!

 

[AlanM52]

Hello @TingHsu,

Can you post photos further back and from the side.

Cheers

[JacobZ]

Hi @TingHsu,

Thank you for your question.

Using screws is still the best method. The issue you are seeing is because the screws used to secure the decking board to the top of the joist wasn't predrilled.

Predrilling removes material that allows the screw to drive into the timber without causing expansion and splitting along the grain.

I would suggest you still use screws to attach your fascia board, but make sure you predrill pilot holes before screwing them in. This will remove material to stop the expanding and splitting. 

You want a drill bit that is roughly the same size as the shank (cylinder inside the thread) of the screw, without being larger than the outer diameter of the thread. If you'd like some assistance selecting an appropriately sized drill bit, bring your screws in store with you and the team at the Tool Shop will surely be happy to help. It depends on the specific screw you are using, but in my experience, a 3.5mm Drill Bit will work with most decking screws.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob