Assembly Instructions

Installation Instructions
Soffit
These instructions describe and illustrate the steps
involved in installing CertainTeed siding and trim. Their
purpose is to provide detailed information and how-to
tips that will simplify the installation process. CertainTeed
shall not accept any liability or responsibility under its
written warranty for failure caused by application that
does not meet our minimum requirements for proper
installation. These requirements are outlined throughout
the CertainTeed Installation Guide (CTS205). Any
deviations from these requirements should be approved
in writing by CertainTeed Corporation.
You can use solid vinyl panels or perforated vinyl panels
for soffit installations. Perforated panels provide ventila-
tion, which helps to reduce heat buildup in the summer
and ice dams in the winter. In buildings with roof ridge
vents, you should install ventilated soffit. Check local
building codes to determine the amount of ventilation
required. In high windload areas, you should also check
local building codes to determine if the application meth-
ods that are required differ from those described below.
The procedure used to install soffit depends on the
construction of the eaves:
• Open eaves—eaves with exposed rafters or trusses—
are typical of new construction. You will also have to
use open eave installation procedures if you have to
remove damaged soffit at a remodeling project.
• Enclosed eaves—eaves with soffit in place—
are typical of remodeling projects.
Installation over Open Eaves
The first step in installing soffit is to install the proper
receiving channels. You have several options for
receiving channels. You can use accessories such as
F-channel or J-channel, or you can make channels using
coil stock. The best approach is to select a method that
works most effectively with the construction techniques
used to create the eave. Examine figures 1-4 and find
the one that most closely resembles the construction
methods used on your particular project.
If no F-channel is available, J-channel can be modified
to create F-channel. Simply cut slots (as shown in figure
5) in the nail flange area where it would be nailed to the
wall. After
cutting the nail
flange, bend the
flange back and
nail to the wall.
When installing
Beaded T2"
panels, use 3/8"
H-bar or 3/8"
J-channel.
* To determine the maximum permissible span, consult individual
product specifications and local building codes.
fascia cap or
coil stock
fascia cap or
coil stock
open truss
F-channel
soffit
16"-24"*
open truss
F-channel
J-channel
soffit
16"-24"*
open
rafter
F-channel
J-channel
soffit
soffit
add nailing
strips
add
framing
16"-24"*
16"-24"*
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 3
Soffit Installation Instructions | 1 of 2