How to Replace an Aluminum Soffit

Replacing old, damaged or stained aluminum soffits will freshen up the appearance of your home. The soffits are under the eaves of the house and will stain over time. Birds or other animals can also dent the soffit if they try to use it as an access point to the house. Check for adequate ventilation as you replace the soffit pieces, as this helps the house breathe.

Ladder
Flat pry bar and nail puller
Aluminum soffit sections
Tin snips
Wood screws
Drill with screwdriver bit

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all the old soffit and J-channel from the eaves. The J-channel holds the soffit in place at the rear edge, just above the rear fascia. The rear fascia is a board that runs along the edge of the house and is used as a trim piece. Use the flat pry bar or nail puller to take out the nails holding the soffit sections and J-channel in place.
- 2
  Install the new J-channel in the same place the old one was located, trimming the channel to fit with the tin snips. Attach to the wall with the wood screws. Insert a screw every 4 to 6 inches. Use a butt-joint for installing J-channel and soffit panels around a corner. For instance, when you reach a corner of the eave, attach the J-channel all the way to the edge of the eave. Trim the channel to fit. You will also run the soffit panel to the edge. The J-channel and soffit panel on the next side will butt up against the first section to form a joint.
- 3
  Slip a new section of aluminum soffit into place. Make sure the rear edge is firmly seated in the J-channel. Attach the front edge with a couple of wood screws. Eaves are usually covered with plywood, which gives you plenty of options when it comes to attaching the new soffit panel. Avoid using previous nail holes when you are driving screws in. That way you know your panel will be secure.
- 4
  Repeat with the remaining soffit sections. Make sure to use vented pieces wherever vent holes are in the eaves.

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