Soffits are what protects a house's roof overhanging from the damages caused by weather or animals.The best way to ensure your soffit installation goes smoothly is to know what to expect and plan ahead. Keep reading below to learn how to get ready.
Understand What Material is Best Suitable
Below are 6 common soffit materials you can choose from:
- Steel- If you are after durability, then you would want to consider having the steel soffits. This is because they are non-combustible and recyclable.
- Aluminum- Just as the steel soffits, they are also durable, but they are more lightweight hence easy to handle. Because of their malleability, you would want to consider using them if your overhangs are irregular in a pattern.
- Vinyl- Soffits made out of vinyl are easy to maintain and durable. Their textures resemble that of the wood but with little maintenance compared to wood. Because of their water resistance feature, I would recommend you to them if you live in an area with high moisture content
- Wood- Woods adds a natural feeling to your home. They are easy to customize as you can cut it to fit the space of your overhanging. Apply a water resistance coat before installing it.
- Fiber cement- It is cost effective and long-lasting. It is made out of a molded mixture of cement and wood pulp. It is best for houses in regions with cold temperatures.
- Pre-finished soffit- This is soffit with underlining that contracts and expands depending on the temperatures. This prevents having a soffit with cracks or peelings. They add to the durability of the substrate making the soffit hence the whole soffit structure.
Soffit Installation Process
1. Know the Soffit Quantity You Require
This is the first step towards soffit installation. Measure the area of the overhanging to be covered by soffit.
When shopping for soffits, order soffits 5% more than the calculated measurement. The extra will be used for overlaps and in case of wastage.
2. Prepare the Area
The preparation process will involve:
- Making sure the surfaces are uniform
- Fix loose shingles that are likely to tamper with the installation process
- Eliminate any trim
- Eliminate gutters. This process of removal of the gutters will be slow if you are concerned with causing damages to the gutters and vice versa.
- Install receiving channels.
3. Fit the Receiving Channels
There are two available types of receiving channels. The J and F channels. You should fix them along the wall with a nail interval of 12 inches.
Be careful not to overdrive the screws.
4. Check the Length of the Soffit Panels
Cut the panels into sizes that fit the area to be covered. Do this by measuring the length from the fascia to the wall and deduct an inch from the measurement. This is meant to facilitate movement.
Next, cut the panels according to the size you got earlier.
5. Install the Soffits
This is the last step. Here you are required to fit the soffit panel in the channels. Make sure the angle the soffits form with the wall is 90-degrees. Fasten the panel and repeat the process with other panels.
Soffit Maintenance Procedures
- Regularly inspect your soffits for the presence of bee and wasp nets. If you cannot fix the problem personally, call a professional.
- Check for weather-caused damages like paint peeling and rotting for wooden soffits.
- Seal your soffits with oil to reduce the risks of weather-related damages.
- Clean your soffits in case of the presence of mildew or mold. There are readily available industrial solutions you can choose from to resolve this.
Wrap Up
Soffit installation is a process and not an event. This means there are guidelines you should follow to achieve the best results.
Check for the prevailing conditions and choose what material and color best suits your house.
After installation, employ a maintenance routine whereby you will regularly check on them for any signs of damage and resolve them.
Visit other sections of our blog for more information on how you can improve your house.
