Soffit installations must be completed before the final course of siding is installed on the wall, and the good news is that you can do this easily because soffit is designed to be installed lengthwise from the wall to the fascia. These panels are similar to vertical siding, and you will be able to find both solid and vented panels and even combinations of the two.
It is very important that you prepare for the installation process, so inspect the job in advance to understand the requirements. For re-siding projects, you have to nail down loose panels, boards, or shingles and must check surfaces for straightness because they should be uniform and straight from different viewing angles. The installation process of the soffit will depend on the construction of the eave, and there are two different types, including open eaves and enclosed eaves. Open eaves are found in newer construction projects and are eaves with exposed rafters or trusses. Enclosed eaves are typical of re-siding projects and have a soffit in place.
It’s worth noting that while it is common to install soffit and fascia in a siding project, it is not a must that they are done together, and you don’t always have to change your siding before you install a new soffit or fascia.
For installation over open eaves, you will have to start by installing the soffit receiver or J-channel, which you can do in a number of ways. It’s best to choose a method that works most effectively with the construction techniques that were used to create the eave. It is very important that you consider the manufacturer’s instructions because this will tell you exactly how the nailing strips should be installed based on the span of the eave. You will have to cut slots in the nail flange area where it would be nailed to the wall, and once you cut the nail flange, you must bend the flange back so that you can nail it to the wall. If the soffit will turn a corner, cut and install the channel so that there is enough room for expansion at each of the adjoining walls. Next, you’ll have to measure from the wall to the fascia board and subtract the right amount to allow for expansion. Once the soffit has been installed, you will have to apply the right covers.
For installation over enclosed eaves, the process is very similar, although there is one major difference: the installation of the J-channel.
This information is sometimes complicated, and if you’d rather leave this job to the professionals, Quality Edge Siding can help. We will provide you with the right building products for your next project, so if you have any questions or would like more information, contact us today!
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