Hi,
Any ideas on options BESIDES aluminum and vinyl for covering my rake boards and soffitt? I am considering covering them (vs. restoring them) but don’t like aluminum. Are there any other options out there for covering them? How about something besides vinyl for covering the soffitt?
Any thoughts, ideas greatly appreciated! Joe Joyce, Boston, MA
In older homes like these, the main remodeling goal is often a more welcoming, more social, and more functional kitchen.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
I can't think of anything else to cover the rakes and soffits.
But how about replacing them with a composite trim board, like MiraTec, or with a PVC trim board, like Azek or Koma?
That is an option. But I just had a new roof put on and would have to bend the flashing up to get at the molding and rake boards. Plus I believe some of the singles were nailed into the rake boards and molding, making the job much harder. I probably should have replaced the rake boards before the new roof went on, but hindsight.....
I will look up those composite materials you mention. Thanks for writing. Joe Joyce
What about 1/4" ac plywood?
Ripped to size, primed and one coat of color on the ground, installed relatively easily under the flashings, caulk, paint #2 color coat.
It ain't perfect, but it IS wood.Troy Sprout
"Don't forget the screws"
Not a bad idea. What does "ac" stand for? Is it a type of pressure treated wood. I don't know that much about plywood. I'll have to think about this, it could be an option. Thanks!
"a" is sanded finish side, "c" is the other side.
The finish on ply is a,b,c, or d with "a" being the best.
It isn't treated, but make sure you get a type marked for "exterior".Troy Sprout
"Don't forget the screws"
Not a bad idea. What does "ac" stand for? Is it a type of pressure treated wood? I don't know that much about plywood, but will consider this as an option. Thanks!
I wrapped mine with 16 oz. copper. You can make a nice drip edge by hemming the bottom of the rake piece.
-- J.S.
I bet it looks great. I won't be doing the work, so it could be much more expensive than aluminum. Any idea how much that copper costs per foot? JOE
I paid $1.74 per square foot. I've heard it's north of $4 now. I was also hoping that the terne coated stainless would be a good substitute, but our metals guy here on breaktime says no. See the "metal roofing?" thread for that discussion.
-- J.S.
Edited 6/2/2006 7:23 pm ET by JohnSprung
given you have eliminated all products I would mention, what about paint? : - )
Actually paint is my first option, but it gets complicated. I have to strip, sand, restore and paint about 150 linear feet of rake board and soffitt. On one side it is easy ladder access; the other side is accessible only by scaffolding, making the project more complicated. My wife and I were looking for something a little nicer than vinyl and aluminum (which I have used on other houses). Didn't know what else was out there.
We use lots of James Hardie fiber cement products here, but that is a whole replacement idea.