Rainwater management is often the unsung hero of a healthy building envelope. In coastal and high-rain regions, fascia sumps—purpose-built box outs integrated into the fascia board—capture concentrated roof runoff before directing it to downspouts. When correctly detailed, a fascia sump prevents water from backing up under shingles, streaking stucco, or flooding landscaping. CountBricks designs these drainage features into new builds and remodels, then leverages AI-powered estimating to keep homeowners informed and budgets on track.
A fascia sump is an enlarged trough or recessed pocket cut into the fascia at the low point of a gutterless eave. It holds a small volume of water momentarily, allowing a large-diameter outlet or scupper to evacuate that water rapidly through a downspout. This approach is popular on modern architectural styles that omit traditional continuous gutters for a cleaner roofline.
• Structural fascia blocking to carry roof loads
• Waterproofed box made from cedar, PVC, or metal cladding
• Drop outlet sized per regional rainfall data
• Splash guard or rain chain transition
• Transition flashing between roof sheathing and fascia cap
• Clean aesthetics—no long runs of gutters interrupting sleek eaves
• Reduced clogging—larger sump box handles debris better than narrow gutters
• Targeted drainage—prevents water concentration at grade by controlling outlet location
• Lower maintenance—easy access for annual inspections and cleaning
• Enhanced durability—properly flashed systems protect rafter tails and siding
With CountBricks voice-driven estimating, field teams walk the project, call out eave lengths, roof slope, and selected materials, and our AI instantly produces:
1. Material takeoff for fascia boards, membranes, outlet fittings
2. Labor hour breakdown per elevation
3. Real-time cost comparison of cedar vs. PVC fascia assemblies
4. Exportable proposal formatted for homeowner signature
Visit CountBricks.com/services to see a live demo of the fascia sump module.
1. Determine design rainfall intensity from local code.
2. Calculate required sump capacity and outlet diameter using CountBricks drainage calculator.
3. Select fascia material and finish to match architectural style.
1. Mark fascia cutout width equal to twice the downspout diameter.
2. Install blocking between rafter tails to form the back of the box.
3. Wrap the cavity with self-adhesive waterproof membrane, shingling laps downward.
4. Insert prefabricated metal sump liner or custom-built PVC box.
5. Flash the roof edge with continuous drip flashing overlapping the liner flange.
• Secure downspout or rain chain to the outlet stub
• Seal all fasteners with color-matched exterior sealant
• Run overflow test with garden hose and inspect for leaks
• Undersized outlets that cause water to back up onto the roof sheathing
• Missing counter-flashing behind the fascia cap, leading to wood rot
• Improper slope of the sump base—should pitch 1/4" per foot toward outlet
• Neglecting to prime and paint end-grain cuts, leaving them exposed to moisture
• Inspect fascia sumps every fall and spring for leaf buildup
• Flush with a hose while monitoring downspout flow rate
• Reseal joints every five years with UV-resistant polyurethane caulk
• Refinish painted fascia boards as soon as blistering appears
Remodeling an older home? Our AI takeoff engine analyzes uploaded photos and corner-to-corner measurements to generate a retrofit kit that includes:
• Pre-cut PVC sump boxes labeled by elevation
• Custom flashing profiles for non-standard roof pitches
• Fastener schedule optimized for existing framing species
• Complete cost breakdown delivered to the client portal
By bundling design, materials, and labor into one transparent estimate, CountBricks cuts change-order risk and accelerates project approvals.
Whether you’re a homeowner planning a sleek modern roofline or a contractor chasing flawless drainage details, fascia sumps belong in your toolkit. CountBricks pairs field-tested installation practices with cloud-based estimation and document generation. The result is a watertight solution, delivered on time and on budget. Ready to secure your eaves? Contact our residential specialists at CountBricks.com/consultation today.
A recent CountBricks renovation in Pacific Beach involved replacing rusted steel gutters on a 1960s cottage with cedar fascia boards and three discrete fascia sumps. Homeowner goals were minimalist lines and zero splashback onto the new redwood deck.
• Laser scan of the eaves imported into CountBricks AI for precise cut lists
• Sump capacity calculated for 2-inch per hour storm events
• Prefab PVC liners ordered through CountBricks.com/services to expedite site work
• Voice-driven field updates kept the estimate synced with actual conditions in real time
1. Installation finished two days ahead of schedule
2. Final cost landed 3% below the original estimate, thanks to accurate material ordering
3. Post-storm inspection showed dry siding and no standing water on the deck
• Order liner depth 1-inch deeper than fascia thickness to accommodate slope
• Use stainless screws in coastal zones to avoid staining cedar faces
• Install a removable screen at the outlet to intercept palm fronds
• Document each phase with photos uploaded to the CountBricks client portal—this speeds lender approvals for draw payments
If streamlined drainage and airtight budgets are on your wish list, fascia sumps paired with CountBricks AI are the answer. Explore sample estimates, material catalogs, and past project galleries at CountBricks.com/portfolio, then book your free consultation to see your numbers in minutes.
