Installation Guide

51
over open eaves
soffit installation
Soffit is the name given to materials
used to enclose the underside of eaves
and porch ceilings. The installation of
soffit will determine the positioning of
the inside and outside corner posts.
Vinyl soffit is designed to be easily
installed in residing or new construc-
tion. Soffit panels are similar to ver-
tical siding. Soffits are available in
aluminum or vinyl. Can be solid, fully
perforated or lanced, or combination
soffits. Also available in vinyl is a hid-
den vent system.
NOTE: Proper attic ventilation is important
for any home. Consult a local building official
for the appropriate requirements for a specific
geographical area, and use vented soffit or
other vented products as necessary.
Preparation
Inspect and plan the job in advance.
For residing applications, nail down
any loose panels, boards or shingles.
Check surfaces for straightness and
fur when necessary. Surfaces should
be uniform and straight from various
viewing angles.
The procedure used to install soffit
depends on the construction of the
eaves. There are two different types
of eaves:
TYPE ONE
Open eaves with exposed rafters or
trusses are typical of new construc-
tion. Open eave installation proce-
dures are also used when removing
damaged soffit during a residing
project.
TYPE TWO
Enclosed eaves (eaves with a wood or
plywood soffit already in place) are
typical of residing projects.
Installation Over Open Eaves:
Step 1
Install receiving channels (F-Channel
or J-Channel).
There are several ways to install
receiving channels for soffit. You can
use accessories such as J-Channel
or F-Channel. The best approach is
to select a method that works most
effectively with the construction
techniques used to create the eave.
Examine the illustrations at left and
find one that most closely resembles
the construction methods used for
your particular project (Figs. 1-4).
Another option is to cut tabs into
J-Channel and to nail into those tabs.
Install the receiving channels
following the details shown in the
illustrations. Nail channels every 12˝,
positioning the nail in the center of
the slot. Fasten channels, just snug to
take out excessive play. Do not over-
drive fasteners.
NOTE: If the eave span is over 16˝, nailing
strips must be installed (Fig. 4).
Open truss
Fascia cap or
coil stock
Soffit receiver
Soffit
18" or less
Fig.1
Open truss
Soffit receiver
Soffit
J-channel
18" or less
Fig. 2
Open rafter
Soffit receiver
Soffit
18" or less
Fig. 3
Add nailing strips
Add framing
Soffit
J-channel
18" or greater
Fig. 4
16
˝
or less
16
˝
or less
16
˝
or less
16
˝
or greater
Fig. 5