Installing Soffit and Fascia

Preparation
Solid and perforated soffit panels are easy to install and go up fast with a minimum of waste if the step by step procedure outlined here is followed.

One
Inspect and plan the job in advance. Nail down any loose panels, boards or shingles. Check surfaces for straightness and fur when needed. The surface should be uniform and straight from several viewing angles.

Note the type of soffit/fascia to be covered:

• Open Rafter - Construct the soffit parallel to the ground.
  
• Enclosed Rafter - Apply the vinyl components over the existing unit.

Two
Assemble the tools needed for the job. Refer to Tools and Equipment for more information.

Three
Select the accessories for the job. The commonly available accessories are shown here.

Four
Please refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual for installation instructions. The following are general guidelines for soffit and fascia coverage:

For Open Rafters
Step 1
In every case, the object is to provide two parallel slots one on the house and one on the opposite side at the fascia. This allows for the insertions of the soffit panels.

Step 2
The F-channel can be fastened directly to the wall. Fasten every 6" to 12". Center nails in the nail slots.

Step 3
The F-channel is installed on the outer bottom edge of the fascia to support the outer edge of the panel.

Step 4
The soffit panel is then cut to length. When you measure between channels be sure to subtract 1/4" for expansion.

Step 5
The soffit panel is placed in the slots provided by the J-channels and F-channel accessories. Panels are hooked or slipped together. On panel sections over 24" wide, intermediate nailing supports are required.

Step 6
Where the two soffits meet, a T-channel or two 1/2" J-channels properly supported and nailed back to back will provide support for the soffit panel.

Step 7
At the ends, pieces of vinyl F-channel or 1/2" J-channel, as appropriate, are installed to finish the job.

For Enclosed Overhang.
Nail the appropriate molding to the wooden soffit, provided that it is level with the F-channel on the bottom of the fascia. The F-channel is installed on the outer bottom edge of the fascia board.

Boxed ends can be covered as shown.

Fascia
Vinyl fascia cover may be used with or without soffit panels. The finish trim and F-channel are installed as shown.

1. Measure the cover required and, if necessary, cut the fascia to the proper width.
2. Punch snaplock 'ears' every 6" to 12" along the top of the fascia using a snaplock punch.
3. Insert the top of the fascia into the finish trim, bottom return leg over the F-channel. Fasten every 24" to 36" by drilling up through the fascia, F-channel and soffit groove with a 3/16" drill bit. Nail through the pre-drilled hole into the fascia board.

Corner Cap
Use a prefabricated corner cap or cut a piece of fascia cover 5.5" in length. Mark the vertical centerline on the back. Cut out a 90° section of bottom flange from the center, leaving 45° on either side.

Using a hand seamer, fold along the vertical centerline to form a right angle.

Trim the fascia cover ends at the corners. Punch the top edge of the corner cap with a snaplock punch. The corner is then hooked onto the bottom ends of the fascia cover and the top is snapped into place under the undersill trim lock.

Vertical Soffit Panels in Porch Ceilings
Frame the edge of the porch ceiling with with quarter round vinyl wall molding or other suitable vinyl accessory. Install finishing trim in left or right quarter round receiving slots. Cut the vertical panels to proper length, allowing 1/4" for expansion. Fit the first panel into the molding and trim the least panel to size and secure the cut edge in the finish trim. Fasten at a maximum of every 16" in the center of the nail slots. Do Not Nail Too Tightly!

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