ventilated soffits - vinyl or aluminum ?

rfuerst911sc · 06-26-2018, 03:05 AM

So I'm at a point on a garage build where I need to purchase and install the ventilated soffits . Each run being 10 " wide by 28 ' long . I went to HD and they carry vinyl , seems like it would last forever , easy to cut and easy to install . On my house the ventilated soffits are aluminum which I would say are probably the same for ease of install and longevity . I'm going to a local building store this morning to see what they have . Is there an advantage one way or the other vinyl vs. aluminum ? They both install using F and J channel moldings correct ? Anything else I need to know ?

masraum · 06-26-2018, 03:12 AM

I'll bet the HD also has hardiboard/cement board soffits. I wouldn't think you could go wrong with any of them. How windy does your area get? I would think that the vinyl might be more susceptible to high winds than the others.

rfuerst911sc · 06-26-2018, 03:56 AM

In my application being it started as a pole barn my trusses are spaced 4 ' and 6 ' apart so cement soffit not going to work . I need to install with F/J channel on building and back of rafter tail board the full length . Not sure why wind is a concern ? The soffit is running in a channel on both sides and is only spanning 10 " . But thanks for the advice .

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

I'd go with vinyl and have no worries doing so. Not much to know really. I installed the F channel on the wall then ran the length of soffit tacking the pieces with a crown stapler and then installed the fascia cover that holds the soffit material in place.

pavulon · 06-26-2018, 05:01 AM

Not sure of your install orientation but have noticed vinyl soffits installed horizontally begin to sag with time and eventually fail completely. Perhaps it’s the installation or the product but still makes me cringe each time I see it.

rfuerst911sc · 06-26-2018, 05:13 AM

Pavulon good point on installing lengthwise but that's not my condition . My soffits are 9 " deep so will be very strong and not really worried about sag . Being 9 " and clipped to each other and captured in molding on both ends . I could run them lengthwise but I'd have to trim them the entire length as I believe the shortest width available to purchase is 12 " . In the pic below is what my install looks like . I have 2 x 4's nailed to mini jack studs to each rafter . I plan on installing the soffit channel to the bottom of the 2 x 4's and of course onto the building . A 1 x 6 will go over the 2 x 4's and the 1 x 6's will be covered with aluminum . Then gutters will be installed .

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavulon

Not sure of your install orientation but have noticed vinyl soffits installed horizontally begin to sag with time and eventually fail completely. Perhaps it’s the installation or the product but still makes me cringe each time I see it.

It's absolutely the improper installation of the product. Vinyl soffit is designed just like aluminum to be cut to length of of the distance from the fascia to the wall. Each piece interlocks as you install it just like vinyl siding.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Pavulon good point on installing lengthwise but that's not my condition . My soffits are 9 " deep so will be very strong and not really worried about sag . Being 9 " and clipped to each other and captured in molding on both ends . I could run them lengthwise but I'd have to trim them the entire length as I believe the shortest width available to purchase is 12 " . In the pic below is what my install looks like . I have 2 x 4's nailed to mini jack studs to each rafter . I plan on installing the soffit channel to the bottom of the 2 x 4's and of course onto the building . A 1 x 6 will go over the 2 x 4's and the 1 x 6's will be covered with aluminum . Then gutters will be installed .

So you're going to have the soffit butt up against the 1x6 fascia board?
Typical installation would be the soffit extending out and fastening to the 1x6 and then buying aluminum or steel fascia to finish it off and support the fascia board end.

VincentVega · 06-26-2018, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabmando

It's absolutely the improper installation of the product. Vinyl soffit is designed just like aluminum to be cut to length of of the distance from the fascia to the wall. Each piece interlocks as you install it just like vinyl siding.

this

I would only use anything else to match existing work if required.

masraum · 06-26-2018, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

In my application being it started as a pole barn my trusses are spaced 4 ' and 6 ' apart so cement soffit not going to work . I need to install with F/J channel on building and back of rafter tail board the full length . Not sure why wind is a concern ? The soffit is running in a channel on both sides and is only spanning 10 " . But thanks for the advice .

I think this was my concern. Sagging and failure that would be triggered if you were in a windy spot, but I don't know for sure. 10" sure doesn't sound like much of a span.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavulon

Not sure of your install orientation but have noticed vinyl soffits installed horizontally begin to sag with time and eventually fail completely. Perhaps it’s the installation or the product but still makes me cringe each time I see it.

rfuerst911sc · 06-26-2018, 02:30 PM

Went to HD this morning and picked up soffit material along with F and J molding . All molding done on right side of building and I'm about 70 % done with the ventilated soffit . Here's a pic .

A930Rocket · 06-26-2018, 06:40 PM

Yup. That’s what I would have used.

When I built my house, the ARB said no vinyl soffits.

Found out later, they were wrong. 😡

GWN7 · 06-27-2018, 05:47 AM

I would use the aluminum. The vinyl can decompose. It gets brittle in the sun. Also I would use 2" X 6" instead of the 1" X 6" for the facia. It lasts twice as long.

rfuerst911sc · 06-27-2018, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GWN7

I would use the aluminum. The vinyl can decompose. It gets brittle in the sun. Also I would use 2" X 6" instead of the 1" X 6" for the facia. It lasts twice as long.

Umm a bit late I already have it installed !

rfuerst911sc · 06-27-2018, 12:14 PM

Today I finished the side I started yesterday . I then added the 1 x 6 fascia boards and then wrapped with metal . I have two pieces of angle to bend up to finish each end and then it is 100 % done . I think it came out great . Not sure how much UV rays are going to hit this area as it will be hidden behind gutters . Anyway two pics of today's progress .

faverymi · 06-27-2018, 12:22 PM

Squirrels went through my vinyl ones.

Replaced with aluminum

rfuerst911sc · 06-27-2018, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faverymi

Squirrels went through my vinyl ones.

Replaced with aluminum

I'd like to see one attempt to climb the slippery vertical metal siding . Or hang onto the slippery metal roofing to try and get through the soffit , it is not going to happen .

GWN7 · 06-27-2018, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Umm a bit late I already have it installed !

Yes I saw that but figured the next person who came along would benefit from my advise.

BTW looks like you did a good job.