FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Staples For Vinyl Soffit

Jemcon | Posted in Construction Techniques on August 19, 2006 04:19am

Is it possible to use a pnuematic stapler or roofing nailer to fasten up vinyl soffit or does soffit need to be left loose like siding?  

 

 

 

Headstrong, I’ll take on anyone!

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Stilletto | Aug 19, 2006 04:27am | #1

    I uses my 18 gauge narrow crown stapler for it. 

     

     

    1. Jemcon | Aug 19, 2006 05:06am | #4

      Does it leave the soffit loose or does it matter it it's tight. I finished that garage and now the neighbor wants me to do their whole house. WOW. Going from 10" soffits to 24" soffits 10'-30' off the ground. What a difference.   

       

       

      Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!

      1. Stilletto | Aug 19, 2006 09:34am | #6

        I have adjusted the depth on the stapler,  the staple is usually left a 1/4 of an inch from the suface of the rib. 

        I was in the air today about 30'  myself.  I set a 24'  pic up and it took me a minute to get used to the ladders and pic moving with me. 

        Being that far in the air bid it as everyday being a bad day.  Include setiing up of ladders and staging.  And take your time up there.  Be careful and enjoy the birdseye view.

        Well you must have done something right landing the neighbor,  keep up the good work.   

        1. Jemcon | Aug 20, 2006 05:58am | #7

          Did you have pump jacks set up or was the pick set up on ladder jacks? If you were on ladder jacks thats a long way up with nothing behind you. I took your advice and did everything as neet as possible. I'm lucky though, my guy did work for a siding guy when he got out of highschool, 20 years ago. I wouldn't take such a big job but he convinced me to. I'm willing to learn from good people, so I pay him well.   

           

           

          Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!

          1. Stilletto | Aug 20, 2006 02:07pm | #11

            I use ladder jacks and pics.  Haven't got the money for pump jacks yet. I'm a fool to do your dirty work. 

             

  2. BKCBUILDER | Aug 19, 2006 04:37am | #2

    I use my 18 ga. narrow crown...does 2 or 3 good...then BAM one will crack or lose a chunk, then a few good...BAM. I hand nail vinyl and save the stapler for the aluminum.

     May work in Florida mid-summer, possibly Texas today or Death Valley, or any other near-sun -surface temperature place....but not Ohio most of the time.

  3. User avater
    IMERC | Aug 19, 2006 04:37am | #3

    you can and it does..

     

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  4. User avater
    Matt | Aug 19, 2006 05:13am | #5

    Typically vinyl soffit is fastened at the out-board edge and the inner edge is supported by either 'F' or J' channel.  If that is the way you are doing it a narrow crown stapler works fine.  You need one with an adjustable drive though because you don't want to be driving the staples through the material.  A cordless stapler is really the ticket if you have access to one.  Also the short lengths of vinyl soffit - often 12" have little expansion.  For wider soffits - say 2' you need intermediate support so in that case they need to be fully hand nailed.  They do sell positive placement pneumatic or cordless nailers and staplers especially for the vinyl siding applications but they are highly specialized tools that are a bit pricey. 

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000302T6/sr=1-8/qid=1155953179/ref=sr_1_8/102-1740786-2276157?ie=UTF8&s=hi

  5. User avater
    Fonzie | Aug 20, 2006 06:05am | #8

    I'm going to get on people's nerves here and say it should have a couple 1 1/4 galvanized screws in it - outer groove and lip. I've never seen one of these blow out. I have seen it blow out with 1 1/4 roofers (lip only).

    Plus, easy to do with a sleeve screw holder.

    1. Jemcon | Aug 20, 2006 06:14am | #9

      When you say outer groove and lip are you talking about the j channel. If not, please explain. 

       

       

      Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!

      1. User avater
        Fonzie | Aug 20, 2006 03:36pm | #12

        The vinyl soffet we have put on is 16 inches wide with grooves every 4 inches. The deep part of those grooves touch the facia. We put a 1 1/4 galvanized phillips deck screw in one or two of those grooves into the facia and also through the lip into the facia. Using one of those sleeve screw holders it's easy to do one handed. We've never drilled for the screws.

    2. Stilletto | Aug 20, 2006 02:05pm | #10

      Screwing would be a major pain.  If you didn't predrill for each screw,  the soffit would be sucked up tight to the facia. 

      And all sub facia is not perfectly level so sometimes you need to float the soffit panels so the aluminum facia isn't all oilcanned. (Wavy) 

      With the 18 gauge stapler with the depth set right you can float soffitt most of the time all you need.  I'm a fool to do your dirty work. 

       

      1. User avater
        Fonzie | Aug 20, 2006 03:42pm | #13

        I've never tried the stapler on it, so your way may be better. I would have thought the stapler would have cracked the vinyl in cold weather. I know those staples are hard to pull out. The ones I have seen blow out around here were hand nailed with roofers. To me that would be a major pain - I hate hand nailing any more. As far as "floating", that would be easy with 1 5/8 galvanized deck screws.

  6. florida | Aug 20, 2006 04:39pm | #14

    I suppose a staple will work until the wind blows but lookout then. It took us 18 months to catch up with hurricane damaged vinyl soffits after Charlie. Short spans, long spans and everything inbetween, it all blew off. Granted this was on Sanibel Island but we found most of the staples rusted badly and their strength compromised. We used stainless screws in the grooves when we replaced it and have done the same thing on all new work since then. After that experience I wouldn't put vinyl soffit on my house if it were a gift. We use Hardisoffit if I get to choose.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction

The crew talks about work start times, fire-resistant construction, fixer-uppers, building Larsen trusses, and AI for construction.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"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.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data