Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 29, 1999 01:50pm | #1

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   Ryan,

   I must assume, by the way your post reads, that you are installing soffit panels on a ceiling that is longer than the soffit panels. You seem to refer to "overlapping the ends". This is NOT the correct way to install the soffit panels, and you will have serious problems down the road (read as CALLBACK)if you do install them like this.

   If the ceiling length is longer than the panels, you must install "J" channel mid point on the ceiling for a uniform look, or if uniformity is not a problem, at the end of the panel (something like 12' 6"). Basically, in the center of the ceiling, you would install two pieces of J channel back to back, with the nailing flange flat against the ceiling. Insert the end of the first panel in one side, and the end of the second panel in the other side.

   Where you will see some sagging is n the middle of the run of soffit, between each end. Running soffit pieces that long is not good. According to the manufacturers, attaching any kind of fastener to the mid section of the soffit panel will result in warping and deformation of the panels. I try to avoid lengths over 8' if at all possible. I have never had a sagging problem with that short of piece. You may wind up having to divide the carport length into thirds, and install the J channel to support the ends of each panel.

   If you have a question about what I am talking about, I'll post a drawing to show you.

   James DuHamel

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 29, 1999 02:56pm | #2

   *James,I agree with everything you said except the two pieces of j channel. I prefer to use the double channel (I think it is called a t channel). It does a neater job.Rick Tuk

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 29, 1999 03:07pm | #4

   *Rick, Those channels are not available here, but I would most definitely use them if I could get them. I have seen them in dealer books, but the time to get them in is too long for me to wait (two to three weeks). I usually rivet the J channel pieces together to keep the seem tight. I would much prefer the T channel though. James DuHamel

2. 
   Ryan_ | Oct 29, 1999 03:07pm | #3

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   I'm installing a vinyl soffit ceiling in a carport. How do I stop the overlapped ends from sagging?

   Thanks,

   Ryan