Soffit and fascia might not be the most glamorous parts of your home, but they play a critical role in protecting your roof structure, keeping pests out of your attic, and maintaining proper ventilation. When they fail, the problems cascade quickly: water intrusion, wood rot, mold growth, and pest infestations that are far more expensive to fix than the soffit and fascia replacement itself.
If you are a homeowner in Pinellas County researching fascia and soffit replacement cost, this guide provides everything you need to budget your project. We will cover material costs, labor rates, whole-house estimates by home size, when replacement is necessary, and why material choice matters so much in Florida's coastal climate.
What Are Soffit and Fascia?
Before diving into costs, let us make sure we are talking about the same things. These terms get confused constantly, even by some contractors.
- Fascia: The vertical board that runs along the lower edge of your roof, mounted to the ends of the roof rafters or trusses. It is the board your gutters attach to. Fascia creates a finished edge along the roofline and protects the rafter ends from moisture.
- Soffit: The horizontal panel that covers the underside of the roof overhang (the area between the fascia board and your exterior wall). Soffit encloses the eave area, preventing pests from entering the attic and providing a finished appearance from below.
- Drip edge: A metal flashing installed along the roof edge that directs water into the gutter and away from the fascia board. Proper drip edge is essential for protecting fascia from water damage.
Together, soffit and fascia form the "trim package" along your roof edges. For more on how these components work within your overall soffit and fascia system, see our detailed guide.
Fascia and Soffit Replacement Cost by Material
Material choice is the single biggest factor in soffit and fascia replacement cost. In Pinellas County, four materials dominate the market, each with distinct advantages and price points.
Cost Per Linear Foot by Material
| Material | Soffit Cost/LF | Fascia Cost/LF | Combined Cost/LF | FL Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $4-6 | $4-8 | $4-8 | 10-20 years |
| Aluminum | $6-10 | $6-12 | $6-14 | 25-40+ years |
| Wood (pine/cedar) | $6-12 | $8-14 | $8-16 | 10-25 years (paint dependent) |
| Fiber Cement | $8-14 | $10-16 | $10-18 | 25-50 years |
Costs include materials and professional installation in Pinellas County. Actual prices vary based on accessibility, existing condition, and whether structural repairs are needed underneath.
Vinyl Soffit and Fascia ($4-8 per linear foot)
Vinyl is the most affordable soffit and fascia material. It does not rot, does not need painting, and is easy to install. However, vinyl has significant drawbacks in Florida. High heat causes vinyl to warp, sag, and distort over time, especially on south-facing and west-facing elevations where afternoon sun hits the eaves directly.
In Pinellas County, vinyl soffit panels commonly start showing heat distortion within 8 to 12 years. The panels also become brittle with UV exposure and can crack during storms or when impacted by wind-blown debris. For these reasons, we generally recommend against vinyl for new installations in Florida, though it remains popular due to its low upfront cost.
Aluminum Soffit and Fascia ($6-14 per linear foot)
Aluminum is the recommended material for soffit and fascia in Pinellas County and throughout coastal Florida. It resists moisture, does not rot, handles salt air without significant corrosion, and does not warp in heat like vinyl. Aluminum soffit panels are available in both ventilated (perforated) and solid versions, and the factory-applied finish lasts decades with minimal fading.
The slightly higher cost compared to vinyl is more than offset by aluminum's superior longevity and performance. Most aluminum soffit and fascia installations in Pinellas County last 25 to 40 years or more, compared to 10 to 20 years for vinyl.
Wood Soffit and Fascia ($8-16 per linear foot)
Wood was the traditional soffit and fascia material in Florida for decades, and many older Pinellas County homes still have original wood soffits and fascia boards. Pine is the most common, with cedar used on higher-end homes for its natural rot resistance.
The challenge with wood in Florida is moisture. Even well-painted wood fascia boards absorb moisture through end grain, paint cracks, and nail holes. Once moisture gets in, rot follows quickly in our warm, humid climate. Wood fascia that is not meticulously maintained can develop soft spots and rot within 10 to 15 years. Cedar performs better but still requires regular painting or staining.
If you are replacing existing wood soffit and fascia, we strongly recommend upgrading to aluminum unless you have a specific architectural reason to maintain wood (historic preservation, HOA requirements, or aesthetic preference that you are willing to maintain).
Fiber Cement Soffit and Fascia ($10-18 per linear foot)
Fiber cement (such as HardieSoffit and HardieTrim) is the premium option for soffit and fascia. It looks like painted wood but resists moisture, rot, and pests far better than natural wood. Fiber cement also handles Florida heat without the warping issues that affect vinyl.
The main downside of fiber cement is weight and cost. It is heavier than aluminum or vinyl, making installation more labor-intensive. The material itself is also more expensive. However, for homeowners who want the look of painted wood without the maintenance headaches, fiber cement delivers excellent long-term value.
Whole-House Soffit and Fascia Replacement Costs
The total cost to replace all soffit and fascia on your Pinellas County home depends on two main factors: the linear footage around your roof perimeter (including any dormers, bump-outs, or covered porches) and the material you choose.
Estimated Linear Footage by Home Size
| Home Size | Typical Roof Perimeter | With Dormers/Porches |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft ranch | 160-200 LF | 180-240 LF |
| 1,500 sq ft ranch | 180-220 LF | 200-280 LF |
| 2,000 sq ft 2-story | 160-200 LF | 200-280 LF |
| 2,500 sq ft 2-story | 200-240 LF | 240-320 LF |
| 3,000+ sq ft custom | 240-300 LF | 300-400+ LF |
Total Project Costs by Home Size and Material
| Home Size | Vinyl ($4-8/LF) | Aluminum ($6-14/LF) | Wood ($8-16/LF) | Fiber Cement ($10-18/LF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | $720-1,600 | $1,080-2,800 | $1,440-3,200 | $1,800-3,600 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $800-2,240 | $1,200-3,920 | $1,600-4,480 | $2,000-5,040 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $800-2,240 | $1,200-3,920 | $1,600-4,480 | $2,000-5,040 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $960-2,560 | $1,440-4,480 | $1,920-5,120 | $2,400-5,760 |
| 3,000+ sq ft | $1,200-3,200+ | $1,800-5,600+ | $2,400-6,400+ | $3,000-7,200+ |
These estimates assume standard single-story access. Two-story homes, steep roof lines, or difficult-to-reach areas may add 20-40% to labor costs. Structural wood repair underneath damaged soffit or fascia adds $3 to $8 per linear foot.
Soffit Repair Cost vs Full Replacement
Not every soffit problem requires full replacement. If the damage is localized to one area, a targeted soffit repair can save you significant money. Here is how repair costs compare to full replacement in Pinellas County.
Soffit Repair Cost by Scope
| Repair Type | Cost Range | When It Makes Sense |
|---|---|---|
| Single panel replacement | $300-600 | One or two damaged panels, rest in good condition |
| Section repair (10-30 LF) | $600-1,200 | Localized damage from a storm, fallen branch, or pest entry |
| One elevation repair | $800-2,000 | One side of the house has damage, other sides are fine |
| Rot remediation + repair | $1,000-3,000 | Wood rot extending into rafter tails or sub-fascia |
| Full house replacement | $1,200-5,600+ | Widespread damage, age-related failure, or material upgrade |
When repair makes sense: Damage is limited to less than 25% of total soffit and fascia. The existing material is in good condition elsewhere and has 10+ years of remaining life. The same material is still available for a matching repair.
When full replacement is better: Damage is widespread across multiple elevations. The existing material is vinyl that is warping throughout. You are already having a roof replacement done (saving on setup and access costs). You want to upgrade from wood to aluminum for long-term durability.
When to Replace Soffit and Fascia
Many homeowners do not think about their soffit and fascia until a problem becomes obvious. Here are the warning signs that replacement is needed, organized by urgency level.
Replace Immediately
- Visible rot in wood fascia: Soft, spongy, or crumbling wood means moisture has penetrated deep into the board. Rot spreads quickly in Florida's humidity and can migrate into your roof sheathing and rafter tails if not addressed.
- Active pest entry: If you see wasps, bees, squirrels, raccoons, or rats entering your attic through gaps in the soffit, you need immediate repair. Pest damage accelerates rapidly and creates health hazards.
- Sagging or detached soffit panels: Soffit panels that are hanging loose or have pulled away from the wall create openings for water and pests. They can also become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Replace Within 6-12 Months
- Peeling, bubbling, or flaking paint: This is the early warning sign that moisture is getting into wood soffit or fascia. Once paint fails, rot follows within 1 to 3 years in Pinellas County's climate.
- Visible gaps between fascia and roof edge: Gaps allow water to bypass the drip edge and soak into the roof sheathing behind the fascia. This leads to concealed rot that is expensive to repair.
- Water stains on soffit panels: Brown or gray stains on the underside of soffit panels indicate water is getting into the eave space. This could be a roof leak or a flashing failure, but the soffit should be removed and inspected regardless.
Replace When Convenient
- Vinyl soffit showing heat distortion: Wavy, warped, or sagging vinyl panels are an aesthetic issue initially but will eventually create gaps and openings.
- Faded or mismatched panels: If previous repairs used different materials or colors, a full replacement provides a clean, uniform appearance.
- During a roof replacement: This is the ideal time because the crew already has access to the roof edge. More on this below.
Combining Soffit and Fascia Replacement with a New Roof
If you are planning a roof replacement, this is the absolute best time to address your soffit and fascia. Here is why combining the work saves money and produces better results:
- Shared labor and setup: The roofing crew already has scaffolding, ladders, and safety equipment in place. Adding soffit and fascia work avoids a separate mobilization charge ($300-800 savings).
- Proper integration: New fascia and drip edge can be installed in the correct sequence with the new roof system, ensuring watertight transitions.
- Hidden damage revealed: When the old roof is stripped, any concealed rot in rafter tails, sub-fascia, or sheathing becomes visible and can be repaired before new materials go on.
- Aesthetic coordination: New soffit and fascia can be color-matched to the new roof for a cohesive, fresh appearance.
- One warranty period: Your new roof and new soffit/fascia begin their service life at the same time, meaning everything ages together rather than on different schedules.
Most roofing contractors in Pinellas County can add soffit and fascia replacement to a roof project. The additional cost when combined with a roof replacement is typically 15 to 25% less than having it done as a standalone project. For more on maintaining your roof system, see our roof maintenance guide.
Florida-Specific Considerations for Soffit and Fascia
Salt Air and Coastal Corrosion
Pinellas County is a peninsula surrounded by salt water on three sides. Every home in the county is exposed to some degree of salt air, with waterfront properties experiencing the most aggressive conditions. This makes material choice critical.
Aluminum soffit and fascia with factory-applied coatings handle salt air well. Wood, even when painted, allows salt-laden moisture to penetrate through grain and fastener holes, accelerating rot. Vinyl does not corrode from salt air but degrades from heat, making it a poor choice for different reasons.
Ventilated vs Non-Ventilated Soffit
Proper roof ventilation is essential in Florida. Ventilated soffit panels (perforated or vented) allow outside air to enter the attic space at the eaves, flow upward through the attic, and exit through ridge vents or other exhaust vents at the top of the roof.
In Pinellas County, where attic temperatures can exceed 150 degrees during summer, inadequate soffit ventilation creates several problems:
- Excessive heat buildup shortens shingle life from above
- Trapped moisture leads to mold growth on roof sheathing
- Higher cooling costs as attic heat radiates into living space
- Potential code violations (Florida Building Code requires minimum attic ventilation ratios)
When replacing soffit, ensure at least 50% of the panels are ventilated. Many contractors recommend 100% ventilated soffit panels in Florida's climate, with a continuous ridge vent for exhaust. Solid (non-ventilated) soffit is appropriate only in specific situations, such as porch ceilings or areas where ventilation is provided by other means.
Florida Building Code Requirements
Florida's building code has specific requirements for soffit and fascia that affect your replacement project:
- Wind resistance: Soffit panels must be rated for the wind zone of your property. In Pinellas County, this typically means panels rated for 110+ mph sustained winds, with higher ratings required in coastal zones.
- Ventilation ratios: The Florida Building Code requires a minimum net free ventilation area of 1/150 of the attic floor area (or 1/300 with balanced intake and exhaust). Ventilated soffit is the primary source of intake ventilation.
- Material compatibility: All fasteners, trim pieces, and accessories must be compatible with the soffit and fascia material to prevent galvanic corrosion.
- Permits: Soffit and fascia replacement as part of a roof replacement is covered under the roofing permit. Standalone soffit and fascia work may or may not require a separate permit depending on scope and your municipality.
Cost Factors That Affect Your Project
The per-linear-foot costs listed above are averages. Several factors can push your actual project cost higher or lower.
Factors That Increase Cost
- Two-story homes: Working at heights requires scaffolding or lift equipment, adding 20 to 40% to labor costs.
- Structural damage underneath: If rafter tails, sub-fascia boards, or roof sheathing edges are rotted, they must be repaired before new soffit and fascia can be installed. This adds $3 to $8 per linear foot.
- Complex roof lines: Homes with many dormers, bump-outs, hip roofs, or covered porches have more corners, turns, and trim pieces that increase labor time.
- Pest remediation: If soffit damage allowed pests into the attic, the pest problem must be resolved before new soffit is installed. This can add $500 to $2,000+ depending on the severity.
- Gutter removal and reinstallation: Fascia replacement usually requires removing and reinstalling existing gutters. If the gutters are old, this is also a good time for gutter replacement.
Factors That Decrease Cost
- Single-story ranch: Easy ground-level access makes the work faster and safer, reducing labor costs.
- Combining with roof replacement: Shared setup and access reduce the per-foot cost by 15 to 25%.
- Simple roof line: A rectangular home with a basic gable or hip roof has less linear footage and fewer complex corners.
- No structural damage: If the underlying wood structure is sound, installation is straightforward.
DIY vs Professional Soffit and Fascia Replacement
Soffit and fascia replacement is one of those projects that looks deceptively simple but has significant challenges, especially in Florida.
Why DIY Can Be Tempting
- Material costs are relatively low ($2-6/LF for materials only)
- The installation concept is straightforward (attach panels to a track system)
- Plenty of tutorial videos available online
Why Professional Installation Is Worth It
- Working at heights: Even on a single-story home, fascia work involves standing on ladders near the roof edge for hours. Falls from ladders are one of the most common construction injuries.
- Proper ventilation: A professional ensures the correct ratio of ventilated to solid soffit and proper integration with the overall attic ventilation system.
- Hidden damage: When you remove old soffit and fascia, you often discover rot, pest damage, or improper previous repairs that require expertise to fix correctly.
- Wind code compliance: Professional installers ensure panels are rated and fastened to meet Florida wind code requirements. Improperly fastened soffit becomes wind-borne debris in a hurricane.
- Warranty: Professional installation typically includes a workmanship warranty that covers any issues with fit, finish, or weathertightness.
How to Save Money on Soffit and Fascia Replacement
- Bundle with roof replacement: The single biggest cost saver. You can save $500 to $1,500 by combining projects.
- Choose aluminum over fiber cement: Aluminum is nearly as durable as fiber cement in Florida but costs less and installs faster.
- Get multiple quotes: Prices vary significantly between contractors. Get at least 3 quotes from licensed Pinellas County contractors.
- Off-season scheduling: Summer and early fall (June through September) are slower periods for exterior trim work. Some contractors offer modest discounts during this time.
- Address problems early: A $400 spot repair today prevents a $3,000 structural repair next year. Do not wait until rot spreads.
Choosing a Contractor for Soffit and Fascia Work in Pinellas County
Soffit and fascia work can be done by general contractors, roofing contractors, or siding/trim specialists. Here is what to look for:
- Florida contractor's license (roofing or general contractor)
- Liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage
- Experience with the specific material you are choosing (aluminum installation is different from fiber cement)
- Understanding of Florida building code ventilation requirements
- Willingness to inspect the underlying structure and provide an honest assessment of any hidden damage
- Written quote that itemizes material cost, labor, structural repairs, and any disposal fees separately
Frequently Asked Questions About Soffit and Fascia Costs
How much does soffit and fascia replacement cost?
Soffit and fascia replacement cost ranges from $4 to $18 per linear foot depending on the material you choose. For a typical Pinellas County home with 200 to 280 linear feet, the total project cost ranges from $1,200 to $5,600 for a full replacement. Aluminum, the recommended material for Florida, runs $6 to $14 per linear foot installed.
How much does soffit repair cost?
Soffit repair cost ranges from $300 to $1,500 in Pinellas County, depending on the extent of the damage. A single panel replacement costs $300 to $600. A full section repair (one side of the house) costs $800 to $2,000. If structural repairs are needed underneath, add $3 to $8 per linear foot.
How much does roof fascia replacement cost?
Roof fascia replacement cost runs $6 to $18 per linear foot installed, depending on material. Aluminum fascia is $6 to $12 per linear foot. Wood is $8 to $16. Fiber cement is $10 to $18. For a full-house fascia replacement, expect $1,500 to $4,500 on a typical 2,000 square foot Pinellas County home.
Should I replace soffit and fascia when getting a new roof?
Yes, combining soffit and fascia replacement with a new roof is strongly recommended. You save $500 to $1,500 on labor because the crew already has access to the roof edge. The work integrates properly with the new roof system, and any hidden damage is revealed during the roof tear-off.
What is the best soffit material for Florida?
Aluminum is the best soffit material for Florida homes. It does not rot, does not warp in heat like vinyl, resists salt air corrosion, and is available in ventilated panels. The slightly higher cost compared to vinyl ($6-14/LF vs $4-8/LF) is offset by a lifespan that is twice as long.
How do I know if my soffit and fascia need replacing?
Warning signs include: peeling paint, visible rot or soft spots, sagging panels, gaps between the fascia and roof edge, pest entry points, water stains, and mold growth. If your wood soffit and fascia are over 15 years old, a professional inspection is recommended.
Get a Free Soffit and Fascia Estimate
Whether you need a targeted soffit repair or a complete soffit and fascia replacement, we provide free estimates for homeowners throughout Pinellas County. Our team inspects the underlying structure, identifies any hidden damage, and provides itemized quotes so you know exactly what you are paying for.