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Soffit ends

lwj2 | Posted in General Discussion on May 28, 2005 07:27am

Hi, folks, I’m one of the Knots crowd. I’ve got a problem and would like your advice.

I’ve got to replace all of the soffit ends on our house. I was intending to paint the trim this summer/spring and when I climbed up to look at it, discovered that the soffit ends were just about shot. It’s not only delaminating, but has been for a while, the previous owner (who has now dropped below moron level in my opinion) painted over the delaminating plys instead of replacing them.

I’d like your recommendation on what sort of plywood to use — I’m thinking that an exterior marine grade with a high ply count would likely be the best one for the job.

Some details: three of the four soffit ends take heavy sun exposure. Current set — what’s left of them — appears to be ¾-inch. They’ll be painted rather than stained. I’m thinking of sealing the exposed edges with some sort of epoxy prior to painting them.

Thanks in advance for your time and trouble,

Leon Jester
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Replies

  1. brownbagg | May 28, 2005 07:43pm | #1

    most around here use cedar. I myself use pressure plywood with sheetmetal covering it. The big mistake I see around here , is people chaulking all the seams before painting. It looks real good but if the roof leaks , the water will set on top of the soffitt rotting out the soffit and rafter tails. I rather have a telltale drip telling me the roof leaking.

  2. User avater
    JDRHI | May 28, 2005 07:51pm | #2

    I don`t know that marine grade is necessary.

    I often use MDO ply with a good primer and several finish coats.

    ATTENTION FELLOW BREAKTIME MEMBERS:

    If you`d like to discuss topics other than home building, come on down to the Woodshed Tavern. Great bunch of guys and gals letting off a little steam about everything and anything. Its not a special club, but.....as of Monday, March 14, the Tavern folder will go behind an access wall. Only those who request access to this folder by contacting [email protected] will be able to view and participate in discussions there.

  3. User avater
    Sphere | May 28, 2005 11:34pm | #3

    Use Hardie board and vent strips.

      Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    The Morphine    s eems  to do no good at all..I'd run all the way if I would not fall...

     

    1. MojoPlenty | May 30, 2005 04:21pm | #4

      Sphere, 

      Not sure if you've tried them but Hardie also makes Hardie Soffit.  Basically 1/4" Hardie Plank with perforations.  About 5 sq inches NFA I think.  We are using them for the first time.  I think they look a little better than vent strips and it's less cutting if you are going to be nipping the fiber cement anyway.  The look is a matter of preference though.

      1. User avater
        Sphere | May 30, 2005 04:25pm | #5

        Thanks, I have not used it yet but Greencu informed me of it just a couple weeks ago.

        I think for my application 2 pcs. of siding and a 2" vent might fit perfectly. If not, the perf sounds real neat.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        The Morphine    s eems  to do no good at all..I'd run all the way if I would not fall...

         

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