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

“Structural” atttachments to soffit

BillHartmann | Posted in General Discussion on November 26, 2004 09:00am

A friend of mine has a house that was orginally built in the 50’s.

Wet snow storm caused the cable and telephone lines to pull out. They where attached to the the side of the house and I am not sure what kind of “meat” that they connected with.

The phone cable, at least, had been pulled out in another storm before she bought the house. There where signs of damage to the siding.

That part of the house is a basic single story ranch. It is sided with aluminum and the fascia and soffit are all wraped in aluminum. Probably done in mid to late 70’s when the last additon was put on the house. From what I can see through the ripe in the siding it appears that there is foil coated fiber sheathing under the siding.

Roof if maybe 3/12 with 12″ soffit. As I said basic ranch.

I am looking for some attachment points that would be stronger. With everything wrapped in AL it is hard to tell what the structure really is or where rafters might land.

I though about putting in the bottom edge of the fascia (gutter is across the face). But it appears to only be 1by and also I am concerned about the pull out resistance of the nailing used to attach the fascia.

Note – the orginal house seems to have been well constructed. But there are numerous signs of remodeling, some not well done. For in any ohter area I have found water that was trap and the AL wraping and rot behind it. So I don’t know how secure anything is.

Another thought was that get about 3ft of cedar 2b and scew it to the underside of the soffit MAYBE hitting a rafter or two or not hitting them, but I would have some screws into the soffit. But I have no idea of what kind of material was used for the soffit or what shape that it is in.

About 18″ from this area is a window. And the window is trimmed with some 2×4 vertical cedar on each side with a knee brace at the top to the soffit. A very poor “tudor” look. I though of attaching to that, but I don’t know how well that is attached to anything as it is only decorative and not structual.

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

Replies

  1. MojoMan | Nov 26, 2004 03:15pm | #1

    How about along a rake? There should be a solid rafter behind the aluminum and rake trim. As a bonus, you can get the wire up higher. I would think a soffit on a ranch like that would be pretty close to the ground.

    Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

  2. dIrishInMe | Nov 26, 2004 03:36pm | #2

    How about attaching to the header above the winddow?  Another idea would be to use a stud finder, or whatever to find studs or solid framing inside the house, measuring over from the window as a reference point, and then take the same measurement on the outside of the house... Or, how about going up in the attic, and checking to see if there is any place where you could see down into the soffit, to see how they are constructed.  Seems like the fascia would at least have a 1x6 or 8 under the metal, or maybe even a sub-fascia of a 2x? - or is that all covered up with gutters?
     

    Matt



    Edited 11/26/2004 7:42 am ET by DIRISHINME

    1. User avater
      BillHartmann | Nov 29, 2004 03:15am | #3

      The stud finder was a good idea. I did not get reading all along the studs, but I got enough to verify where they are and match it up with the outside.And probing through the tear in the AL siding and fiber sheathing there is wood behind it. The attic is a NO go. I did "inspect" it once. There is an access door in the gable on the oposite end. They sided it separately, but installed J-channel around the door and the opening so I had to disaseemble the siding to get the door open. Then you have about 18" of height to get into the attic. The only way that I would do that would be get scafolding level with the door so that I could crawl into it.The problem with the rake is that there was a bunch of bends in the al trim. It is not clear if there is trim under all of that are not. All of the trim is gapped enough from underlying wood that it is hard to tell what is solid and what is not.But I did find a place down lower to temp fasten the TV cable. And the phone guy used a longer screw in went back in the area where it had been before.But I got an idea from the exterior light thread for a permanate fix.When the weather is good I am going to take off the top 2 strips of AL siding. The 2nd strip is the one that is riped. Then make a wooden block that I and screw and glue to the framing. Then either put vinyl J-channel or make some wood channels (this is well under the soffit so it is out of the weather. Then cut the 2nd strip in cutting out the riped section and with one part on each side of the block. When I am done with it it should look like it was designed that way and what it is - a kludge to cover up damaged siding that can't be matched.

  3. 4Lorn1 | Nov 29, 2004 04:19am | #4

    Pretty common issue this.

    A lot of homes have a porcelain eyes with a lag screw in its base as a point of attachment. Mostly these are screwed into siding on a gable or fascia. Assuming above average craftsmanship they may have hit a rafter tail or, even better a stud behind the siding.

    The fascia or siding is a pretty weak mount. Even if the lag screws on the eye hold the fascia, being nailed into end grain, usually gives up and siding is only slightly better. The lag screw hitting a rafter tail is little help as the lag threads still go into the end grain. The stud, when such rarities are seen, is pretty good but there is better.

    Best IMHO is to use a welded steel galvanized eye. A 5/8" extension bit is drilled through the gable end siding at the angle the drop comes in at so the siding isn't under stress. This angle is continued with all-thread through a set of 2bys nailed into the opposite side of the trusses or rafters. Send the help into the attic to rig the 2by while you hold the angle with the extension bit. He nails it in and you drill the 5/8" hole. Make sure he brings the coupling, nut and 3" square washer with him. The all thread and end of the eye bolt gets stuffed in from outside.

    A steel rod formed into a hook and chucked into a drill motor allows the eye to be spun allowing the coupling and/or nut to be drawn up quickly. Make sure the helper carries and uses a pair of channel locks. If the threads bind while the rod is spun hands get torn up. Steel is more forgiving.

    Similarly a fascia mount means the fascia gets drilled while the structural strength is blocking supported by trusses or rafters. Of course to do it right dropping a section of soffet is necessary. Usually a six-foot section. A 2by end nailed through the trusses bottom cord and reinforced with two short lengths face nailed into the cords in front of the blocking makes a strong mount.

    This is drilled through and all-thread, couplings as needed, a heavy 3" washer and nut draws up the eye firmly into the fascia. In this case the help stays out of the attic unless you just want to be cruel.

    Either way a rope of 'duct seal' get applied around the hole behind the eye so moisture and critters stay out. Done well a four man crew can hang from the drop without any damage or issues. Done this way the POCO connections at the pole will give up first. Seeing as that if the drop falls they have to come out anyway they can fix their connections.

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

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

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