Assembly Instructions

Installing Receiving Channels
Install the receiving channels following the details
shown in figures 1-4. Nail the channels every 16",
positioning the nail in the center of the slot. Do not nail
tightly. If you’re using Beaded T2" panel as soffit, nail
both the channel and the soffit every 8"-12" to create
added support.
If the eave span is greater than 16", you will have to
install nailing strips (as shown in figure 4) and install
the receiving channels on the nailing strips.
If the soffit will turn a corner, cut and install the channel so
there is 1/4" for expansion at each of the adjoining walls.
Installing Soffit
Measure from the wall to the fascia board. Then subtract
1/2" to allow for expansion. Mark this dimension on a
soffit panel and cross cut the panel using a power
circular saw with a reversed fine-tooth blade. Cut one
or two panels at a time, carefully advancing the saw
through the vinyl.
Insert the panel into the channel on the wall, then into
the channel at the fascia board. You may have to flex
the panel slightly to insert it into the second channel.
Make certain the panel is perpendicular to the wall, then
nail. Depending on the installation method you’re using,
you’ll nail either to a nailing strip or to the fascia board.
If you’re nailing to the fascia board, use small-headed
nails. Drive the nail through the nail flange and “V”
groove, as shown
in figure 6. This
is one of the
rare instances
when face nailing
is permissible.
Once a soffit panel
is face-nailed, it
will expand only in
one direction—in
this case, toward
the receiving
channel. Be sure
to leave space for
the full expansion
allowance in the
receiving channel.
If you’re using a nailing strip (as in figure 4), do not nail
tightly—allow movement for expansion.
Continue installing the panels by locking and nailing the
soffit in place. Make certain soffit panels are fully locked
along their entire length.
Turning a Corner
To turn a corner, measure from the channel at the wall
corner to the channel at the corner of the fascia board.
Subtract 1/4" for expansion.
If necessary, install nailing
strips to provide backing for
the lineal. Cut and install
soffit double channel lineal
or H-bar (see figure 7). Miter
the corner soffit panels and
install as described above.
Completing the Installation
To complete the installation, apply utility trim and fasten
aluminum fascia cap or formed aluminum coil stock with
painted trim nails. If you must face nail fascia, drill holes
for the trim nails to allow for expansion and to reduce
denting of the aluminum.
Installation over Enclosed Eaves
If the existing soffit is
rotted or damaged,
it’s best to remove it
completely before
installing vinyl soffit.
Then use the
instructions for
open eaves.
If you’re installing
perforated soffit
panels and the
existing soffit doesn’t
have openings for
ventilation, cut an
adequate number
of openings. Then
complete the
installation as
described for
open eaves.
The procedure used to install soffit over an enclosed
eave is almost identical to that used for an open eave.
The major difference is the installation of the J-channel.
Determine the method you’ll use to install soffit at the
fascia board (see figures 8 and 9). When installing
J-channel at either the wall or the fascia board, nail
the J-Channel every 12"-16".
Turning a Corner
If the soffit is to turn a corner, cut and install J-channel
so there is 1/4" for expansion at each of the adjoining
walls and adjoining fascia boards. Miter the corner soffit
panels and install as described above.
If you have any questions about installing this product,
please call us at 800-233-8990.
fascia
soffit
panels
bent
aluminum
coil stock
nail into slot
nail into “v”
soffit
H-bar
fascia
miter soffit panels
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 7
fascia cap or
coil stock
nailing
strip
J-channel
soffit
enclosed
eave
J-channel
soffit
enclosed
eave
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 8
© CertainTeed Corporation 5/06
Soffit Installation Instructions | 2 of 2
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