Aluminum Soffit Installation Tools

Preparation

• Preparation and planning before installing aluminum soffit calls for tools that will help secure existing structures, such as the boards, shingles and fascia. Use a screwdriver to test the quality of the wood in boards and fascia; if the screwdriver tip can be easily jammed into wood, it is rotted and needs to be replaced. A pry bar may be required to remove bad wood. Use a hammer to nail down any loose boards or shingles.

Cutting

• A tape measure and pencil are required for measuring and marking soffit panels before cutting. Sawhorses are used to hold a soffit panel while it is being cut. Tools required for cutting soffit include a circular saw, used to make the main cuts; a jigsaw saw, used to cut sharp curves; and a utility knife and tin snips, used for detail work cuts. Wear safety glasses while cutting soffit. A chalk line is used to ensure the cut is straight.

Installation

• A hammer is required for nailing the J-channel (the piece of trim that holds the soffit panel in place) into the framing. A framing square, sometimes called a “carpenter’s square,” is used to lay out a right angle (an angle of 90 degrees) and is necessary to make sure the first soffit panel is square to the house. Use a trim nail punch to drive the nails that will secure the soffit.

Completion

• When completing aluminum soffit installation, you will need to fasten utility trim and aluminum fascia caps with painted aluminum trim nails. While a drill may be use to make the holes for the nails, and a hammer may be used to drive them, a nail-hole slot punch is preferred to avoid hammer face contact with the aluminum, which may cause denting.