Do you install soffit or siding first?

Author: Isabelle Strosin  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Soffit is used to enclose the underside of an eave. The installation of soffit will determine the positioning of the inside and outside corner posts. It also is necessary to complete the soffit before the final course of siding is installed on the wall.

Should I install a soffit before siding?

Install soffit before siding. Soffit should be the top line of the siding so you don't want siding to under(behind) the soffit if you ever have to replace the siding.

What do you install before siding?

Sheathing/Backerboard

Vinyl siding should be applied over a sheathing that provides a smooth, flat surface. Consult local building codes for sheathing requirements. Vinyl siding must never be applied directly to studs without sheathing.

Should I install roof or siding first?

Always replace the roof first as it it the most important part of your house to keep the weather out. The siding second as no damage will be done to it during the roofing project.

Do I install soffit or fascia first?

Whether installing vinyl or aluminum soffit, complete the soffit installation process before installing the fascia.

How To Install Soffit And Fascia

Should you caulk between fascia and soffit?

If you seal the bottom edges and joints of soffits and fascia trim you've effectively created a bathtub. Water will then travel where you don't want it to or, maybe worse, it will fester and grow mold and mildew.

How much is labor to install soffit fascia?

Generally, you can assume the soffit and fascia labor costs will differ. Sofft installation costs should fall between $1.50-$4 per linear foot, and fascia installation costs should fall between $6-$20 per linear foot. As a result, the average cost to install soffit and fascia should fall between $7.50-$24.

What order do you install a roof?

The Basic Procedure
  1. Tear off the old roofing. ...
  2. Replace damaged or rotted decking.
  3. Install any new vents you might need. ...
  4. Lay underlayment. ...
  5. Install flashing in valleys and around dormers.
  6. Nail in the shingles.
  7. Apply roofing sealant where needed.

What order do you install vinyl siding?

To install vinyl siding, start by nailing J-channel pieces under the fascia, followed by installing soffit pieces and the starter strip. Then, measure the walls, install corner posts, and finish up by installing J-trim around doors and windows.

Should you do gutters or siding first?

For that reason, most contractors recommend replacing the roof, windows, siding, and gutters—in that order. The logic is simple: install in a way that prevents damage to new projects caused by previous projects. If you install siding first, a new roof installation could damage the siding.

What is the most common mistake when installing vinyl siding?

The most common mistake when installing vinyl siding is not leaving enough overlap between panels, which results in a messy and unkempt look.

What happens if you don't wrap a house before siding?

Primarily, a house wrap prevents water and moisture from seeping through the wall cavity of the home. By installing a house wrap before your siding installation, you can reduce the likelihood of wood rot, mold growth and moisture infiltration in your home.

What layers go under siding?

What are the eight layers beneath my exterior home siding? Much goes into a wall beneath the home siding, including studs and framing, sheathing (OSB panels), underlayment, insulation, flashing, interior surface, trim, and paint.

Do you paint soffit or siding first?

Paint the soffit first, then coat the sides and faces of any corbels or other decorative elements. Don't forget to paint the backsides of any vertical boards or fascia trimming the soffit.

What goes before siding on a house?

A house wrap is a lightweight and paperlike material that you can use to cover your house directly on top of the sheathing and behind the vinyl siding. The primary purpose of this material is to prevent air and water leaks that may penetrate the vinyl exterior.

Can you replace a soffit after siding?

Fascia and soffit are typically replaced at the same time as siding because if it's time to replace your siding, most likely, your soffit and fascia are due for a replacement.

Do you install trim or siding first?

We recommend installing the highest trim first (the rakes, fascias, and soffits) and working your way down. After all of the trim is installed, the siding can finally go up! Just as you can choose trim to match the style of your home, choosing the right siding is key to getting the look you're aiming for in your home.

How do you start the first row of vinyl siding?

Snap the bottom of the panel into a starter strip and nail it to the wall. Begin panel installation at the back corner of your house and work towards the front. Leave a 1/4-inch space where each panel butts the corner post. The siding should be lapped away from high-traffic areas like doors and sidewalks.

What are the first pieces to be installed in siding?

The starter strip is the foundation of your vinyl siding installation. Ensure the starter strip is level, as this determines the alignment of the entire siding. To achieve this, use a level chalk line to mark the placement of the starter strip.

How much does it cost to replace a roof on a 2200 square foot house?

Once you've determined that you need a roof replacement, you can start planning for it. The biggest thing to plan for is the cost. Be prepared to spend at least $8,000 – but depending on materials and labor, for a 2,200 square foot home it can end up costing upwards of $30,000.

What is the correct order of application for a roof installation at an eave?

However, a proper eave installation sequence typically starts with structural elements such as rafters (8) and fascia boards (6), followed by protective underlayers like sheathing (9) and roofing felt (11), before moving on to roofing materials (13), drip edge (12), soffit installation (10), and trim (14).

Do you paint first or roof first?

First off, if your roof is old, damaged, or in need of repairs, it's probably a good idea to install a new roof before painting your home's exterior. This will help ensure that your home is protected against any water. Ensuring that any potential roofing issues are addressed before you invest in a new paint job.

Do roofers install soffits?

Do Roofers Install Soffits? Yes, many roofers, including those at Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, are experienced in installing soffits as part of their services. Because soffits are a critical component of the roofing system, roofers are often well-versed in their repair and replacement.

How much should I pay for soffits?

Cost to replace fascia and soffit boards

If you need a new fascia board, the replacement cost per linear metre is usually from £80 to £100. Replacing soffit boards is slightly more involved due to positioning and will usually cost somewhere from £100 to £120 per linear metre.

How much should I charge for vinyl soffit installation?

The cost to install vinyl soffit is $2,550 on average, or between $1,625 and $3,500, depending on the length, condition, and height of the eaves. If you're installing new vinyl soffit materials, you can expect installation prices of around $2,550, with costs commonly ranging from $1,625 to $3,500.

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