How to Use Vinyl Soffit Pieces
Vinyl soffits are designed with perforations to allow air circulation through the attics of homes. They are manufactured to be cut to varied lengths to fit existing soffit needs. Installation of vinyl soffits requires additional components, such as plastic "F" channels, which fasten to the side of the wall and behind the fascia or gutter. These soffit pieces snap together to form a continuous soffit vent along the entire length of the existing overhang. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- 24-inch level
- Chalk line
- Screw gun
- 1/2-inch screws
- Framing square
- Tin snips
- "F" channels
Instructions
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Place the level horizontally on the bottom edge of the fascia, and extend the level to the wall.
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2
Adjust the level until the bubble is centered in the lines, and mark the wall at the top of the level using a pencil at each end of the existing overhang.
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3
Chalk a line between the marks, at each end of the wall
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4
Attach the "F" channel to the inside of the fascia board, flush with the bottom of it with 1/2-inch screws at one-foot intervals.
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5
Connect the "F" channel to the house wall using 1/2-inch screws at one-foot intervals, while holding the bottom of it on the line previously chalked.
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6
Measure the overhang by placing the tape measure end against the house wall, and extend it to the inside of the fascia where the "F" channel is attached.
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Subtract 1/4-inch from the determined dimension, and mark the vinyl soffit vent.
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Place the framing square on the mark, holding the square tight to the side of the vinyl soffit piece, and mark a line across it.
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Cut along the line with the tin snips.
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Mark several more pieces, using the first cut piece as a template, and cut them with the tin snips.
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11
Lock two pieces of the cut vinyl soffit together, by pressing the tongue of one piece into the groove of the other.
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Place the locked pieces into the wall side of the "F" channel and bend the soffit pieces into the fascia "F" channel.
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Repeat this process for the entire length of the existing overhang, locking them together as you go.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut pieces, requiring trimming, can be trimmed using a sharp utility knife.
Wear protective gloves to prevent the soffit material from cutting your hands.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit modern new home image by Neelrad from Fotolia.com
