How do I repair a rotted soffit?

To repair a rotted soffit that is damaged from gutter overflow, moisture, or lack of ventilation, you need to remove damaged material, address cause, and replace with new material that resists rot. First, ensure safety with sturdy ladder, gloves, safety glasses, and have spotter. Inspect extent of rot by probing soffit with screwdriver to find soft, crumbly wood, and check if rot extends to fascia board, rafter tails, or subfascia, as rotted rafter tails may need sistering or replacement. Remove rotted soffit panels by prying off carefully, and remove any rotted fascia board that gutter is attached to, as fascia must be solid to hold gutters. Fix cause of rot, which is often clogged gutters overflowing onto soffit, improper gutter slope, or lack of soffit ventilation causing moisture buildup, so clean gutters, ensure proper slope of 1/4 inch per 10 feet toward downspouts, and ensure vented soffit panels allow airflow. Replace damaged wood with pressure-treated lumber or PVC trim board that resists rot, and install new soffit panels, preferably vinyl or aluminum vented soffit that provides ventilation and never rots, securing with nails or screws. Caulk joints and paint if using wood or PVC. If damage is extensive or you have two-story home, hire professional carpenter or gutter service costing 300 to 800 dollars for average repair. After repair, maintain gutters twice yearly to prevent future rot.