How to Install Vinyl Soffit and Fascia

An image showing vinyl soffit — Soffit is the material that covers the area beneath the eaves, while fascia overhangs the roof rafters. Rob Maynard / Getty Images

Soffit is the material that covers the area beneath eaves, while fascia overhangs the roof rafters [source: Vinyl Siding Institute]. Before you begin installing vinyl soffit and fascia, be sure to do the following:

Read the instructions that come with the soffit and fascia.
Nail down any loose boards, panels, shingles or tiles.
Check that the undersides of the eaves are straight and even [source: Home Remodeling Technology].

To install the soffit:

Nail an F-channel to the wall every 6 to 12 inches (15.2 to 30.5 centimeters), making sure the nails are centered within the channel's nail slots.
Attach an F-channel to the bottom outer edge of the fascia board.
Measure the distance between the channels. Subtract ¼ inch (6.4 millimeters) to allow for expansion.
Cut the soffit panels to the measured size.
Place the soffit panels in the channel slots so that the panels meet.
Nail one T-channel or two ½-inch (12.7-millieter) J-channels between the panels for extra support.
Attach F-channels or ½-inch (12.7-millieter) J-channels to the ends of each outermost soffit panel [source: Home Remodeling Technology].

To install the fascia:

Measure the area to be covered by the fascia.
Cut the fascia to size, if necessary.
Punch a hole every 6 to 12 inches (15.2 to 30.5 centimeters) along the top surface of the fascia, using a snaplock punch.
Insert the top of the fascia into the finishing trim with the bottom return leg covering the F-channel.
Drill a hole every 24 to 36 inches (61 to 91.4 centimeters) through the fascia, F-channel and soffit groove, using a 3/16-inch bit. Then hammer a nail in each hole.
Cut a piece of fascia cover 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) long. Skip this step if you have a corner cap.
Mark a vertical center line on the back of the corner.
Create a 90 degree cutout at the center of the bottom flange; each side of the cutout should be at a 45-degree angle.
Fold the cover over the vertical center line with a hand seamer.
Trim the ends of the cover at its corners.
Punch the top edge of the corner cap with a snaplock punch.
Hook the corner of the bottom ends of the fascia cover. Snap the top into place beneath the undersill trim lock [source: Home Remodeling Technology].