How to Screw a J-channel to Hold Soffit

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Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure

  • Ladder

  • Drill

  • 2-inch screw

  • Tin snips

  • Black marker

J-channel is a piece designed to fit over siding and soffit pieces. It is a corner or end piece that resembles the letter J. It mounts the siding to the wall and helps hold the soffit in place. J-channel comes in 12-foot sections and is either 1/2 inch thick or 5/8 inches thick. It can install on any type of house including wood or masonry. J-channel is an essential element in the installation process of siding and is one of the final steps in the entire procedure.

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Step 1

Measure the gable of the roof with a tape measure. Climb up a ladder and measure directly under the soffit where the J-channel will install. Record the measurement and total how many 12-foot pieces of J-channel will be needed for installation.

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Step 2

Line up the J-channel next to the soffit under the eave of the roof. Slide the first piece of J-channel over the soffit. Push the soffit into the lip on the J-channel.

Step 3

Drill in a 2-inch screw through the first hole at the top of the J-channel. Insert the screw through the fascia. Move down 12 inches and insert another screw through the hole at the top of the J-channel. Continue down the first piece and insert a screw every 12 inches.

Step 4

Slide the lip of the next piece of J-channel over the soffit and overlap the J-channel over the first piece by 4 inches. Install the second piece of J-channel just as the first was installed. Continue around the soffit in the same manner until reaching the end of the house.

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Step 5

Cut the last piece of J-channel to size with tin snips. Measure and mark the cut line with a black marker and cut directly over the line with the tin snips. Install the final piece just as the rest of the pieces were installed.

Tip

Angle cuts can also be made with tin snips to go around corners if necessary.

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