How To Install A Porch Ceiling Using Solid Vinyl Soffit (Light And Fan Installation Explained)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- In this video, I will show you how to install solid vinyl soffit for a porch ceiling. I also explain to you the light and ceiling fan installation. .
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Disclaimer: This video is all based on my personal opinion and is for entertainment purposes ONLY. I am not a financial advisor, CPA, attorney, tax advisor, electrician, plumber, housing contractor, designer, or any type of profession to give advice. I am just a consumer sharing my experiences and research. If you do need knowledge for those types of things, I will advise you to seek help for those professionals.
How did you like the view from the front porch?
Beautiful! Love the mountains.
As nice as your work, it came out nice. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
@@McFarrah Thanks a lot Farrah! The mountains are awesome!
@@tonytijuana4132 Thanks a lot Tony! I appreciate you watching my video!
When the proverbial caca hits the fan, you're in a great position. Nice job. You seem to be a very talented builder. Keep up the good work!!!
Took me awhile to find your video, but it was EXACTLY what I needed. My wife and I just returned from our house construction where for the second time (our house is not yet finished) our soffit has blown away with a stiff wind. This will be our third soffit installation. The porch does not have the furring strips running the length of the porch, so the soffit panels just sag, catch wind and sail away. I am sending him your video and instructing him to install it correctly this time. Luckily, this affords our electrician another opportunity to get the porch lights in. #goodhelpishardtofind
It is really cool when you stumble on a video that is exactly what you are looking for. That is the beauty of TH-cam! Yes, if you do not use furring strips, you can get sagging because the span is too much. Hope that helps!
You are good at explaining and doing the job at hand, I look forward to watching other videos by you. Keep up the great work!!!
I’ve been searching for a solution like this for ages. In one of my basement rooms, there’s a glass block skylight that the previous owners installed as part of the front cement porch. I have no idea why they did this. Over the years, it has leaked, caused interior damage, and become quite an eyesore. We’re now converting the room into a bedroom, and the entire ceiling is aluminum soffit. Your idea to cover the skylight in the ceiling is perfect for us. This solves so many problems. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you! We need two replaced and hopefully it doesn’t take my husband hours! Lol.
Great video, I put this stuff in my living room over a ugly ceiling. Thank you very many for videos.
Another great video. This shows what the previous owners of my house did wrong with the front and back porch that I still need to fix. The way the previous owners did it I have to put in blocking to attach to If I don't want to replace all of the F channel that's already there. Keep up the great work.Where the ridges are in your soffit and where the light cups but up against it, do you ever fill that in with foam or caulk to ensure bugs and other small critters don't have acces to get into the soffit space?
Your videos are great. Any vids on what your business is and how you started? None the less always good work and explanation.
Thanks! I do not have a video explaining exactly how I profit from building. I will make a video about that soon. I appreciate your comment !
Prob'ly shouldn't tell people to smash the "like" button twice, as the 2nd smash undoes the 1st one.
great video and very well explained. I'm installing this on my patio downstairs. it is directly beneath my covered porch upstairs. Question is...can I add another wood strip at the end to create a grade to the end in case water happens to get above it? Or is there a better way to do it?
Great video. You showed the first and second row, which is great for getting started, but it would have been helpful to actually see how to install around the light- dealing with the two F channels, and getting it all to snapped together. Same for last row, I would have liked to see more detail- taking the measurement as well as get it installed. Do you have any videos or tips if you have a post to go around?
Does Lowe’s and HD sell this material as well as the trim and fascia?
This is pretty standard, but I do not sink my roofing nail tight. I leave just a bit of play to allow for expansion, and it does expand. Same goes for siding.
This is a great idea! I've got an enclosed porch/sunroom with terrible, uneven drywall ceiling that's cracking all over the place. Maybe I'll try this instead....
Yeah that might just work for you. This will never crack when Drywall!
That’s what we are doing right now
What do you use to finish the edges to make them look nice and finished?
You are a legend. Great teacher
Thanks Jack! I appreciate you comment 😃
Great tutorial video!
How wide are the soffit strips cut to?
The wood strips are about 1 3/4” (2x4 ripped in half) of if I remember correctly. I hope that helps!
@@TheExcellentLaborer thank you for your help.
Excellent explanation, thank you. I like it . Great job sir
Subbed. I saw someone else install a solid soffit, but he didn't show any detail. This is what I want to do. Also, I'm making an enclosed room, that will be insulated. Is it 100% necessary to install a soffit for ventilation? Thank you!
Excellent! I have similar setup, but in my case, I have to remove a few panels from the center of the patio to add reinforcements for a fan. Trying to figure out how to remove a few panels from the middle
I have a similar situation... I have a dryer vent that runs thru my front porch soffit and vents on the side of my house... Can u use a a siding tool to hook and slide an adjoining piece out of the groove or do I start at one end and remove the whole ceiling...I need to make a repair on my dryer vent ductwork.... Any info would be appreciated. ....
Saludos bendiciones amigo desde indianapolis Indiana 🇬🇹🇬🇹
Thanks Jonathan!
You are talking about using the F Channel, but it doesnt look like the right side (at about 1:20) is an F-channel? The channel sits flush with the ceiling there, but the F-channel that is mounted behind and on left shows the nail track on the bottom? What are you using on the right side?
I guess he doesn't read comments. I was wondering same
If I am not mistaken it is all F-channel. Some is mounted with nail side up (where you are nailing onto wall that is finished) and some with nail side down (where siding will be applied over the nails afterwards). F/J channels can be applied either way. Nails down is easier to apply as long as it will not be exposed when all done.
Excellent video. Thank you for the help. Would you recommend to place one nail in the middle of the board between two slots to fix it at this point like we do this with vinyl siding?
You are awesome… you save me so much time !!! Thanks bro!!!!!
I appreciate that Mario!
The only thing I wish this video had was the installation of the F channel. I have about 10 questions in regards to it.
Question - I have something similar on my front porch. Let's say I needed to access a certain section of the ceiling, like to do work on one of those can lights, can the material stretch enough to pop a piece out (like vinyl siding) to undo the non-fastened side or do I have to start at the end and remove every piece back to my point? Thanks
Hello this is a great video, I have a similar project for my porch and my question for you is if I have to use J Chanel or F Chanel?
Awesome vid. Can I put this stuff over the sheetrock ceiling or should I just rip that sheetrock out? Thanks
I had a contractor install my soffit ceiling on my porch but I watched your video. I need to take the last piece off so I can run a wire. I removed the holding screw next to the F channel. What do I do next to unsnap it from the joining panel? I tried to remove it but I was concerned I'd break it. Do I pull it toward the panel it joins to disconnect it or do I need to do that plus another action?
1.I have painted plywood as the ceiling on my back porch. Can I nail directly to that?
2. I didn't understand how/where you nail the final piece of vinyl. Could you explain?
3. How do you hid the bottom of the F channel that has the nails and all the holes? Wondering if you can cut it off before attaching it, then attach it with liquid nails, along with a few nails inside the channel?
We have a new "she" shed for the wife. It's 10x16. Has a slant roof so it's 8 feet by the entrance and about 10 feet at the back. Ceiling has 16" center rafters going from entrance door back and is insulated. We want to finish the ceiling which will have LED shop lights hanging down and a fan. I've read about H channels being used for support on long stretches, would that work as well or are furring strips still recommended? Thank you, hope this post gets to you being the video is 3 years old.
Thank you amigo
You are welcome!
Can you use a Pneumatic Framing Nailer to install this.
Smashing the like button twice unsmashes it :)
Good catch Drew! Just hit it once 🔨
Any ventilation on the ceiling or on a side?
Hello what did you put around the part on the left hand side when you was first talking under the porch. The white frame you hooked the f channel on the left white frame?
are all porch ceilings oriented that way or can you make it go 90° other way?
Do they still male aluminum soffit ? I prefer it and it’s what I have to replace some
instead of nail and hammer, can you use an impact and screws?
Yes you could!
I have what looks like this exact vinyl on my front porch, I just built a porch swing bed and need to access behind the vinyl to locate the joists for hanging the swing. Do you have a video on removing? Trying not to ruin the current vinyl. Can pieces be removed individually or will I need to start from a particular end and remove them all?
Hey Amanda! You would have to start at the end that was finished last. You would have to remove all the pieces up to the one you need to address. I hope that helps!
@@TheExcellentLaborer thank you!
Do you know if that soffit material comes in 16 foot lenghts?
My patio ceiling is 16 out frrom the house X 22 across.
I dont want seems in my finished product.
How would it differ if you had osb, or plywood already in place. Using the vinyl as a cover for it?
If I’m remodeling a porch ceiling in Indiana would this project need a permit to be pulled if I’m not rerouting lighting or anything structural?
Big help!....thx
No problem John!
Any reason not to use screws instead of nails?
And if you are supposed to allow for expansion, should it be nailed in so snug?
I'd like to know that, too. I work alone and screws would be so much easier?
I smashed it three times bros! Hard!
When working with vinyl I’ve always left 1/4” between nail and vinyl for expansion and contraction?
Would all be the same if roof is slanted?
Yes it would! Thanks for watching.
where to purchase the vinyl material?
ABC building supply company. Hope that helps!
Great Vid!
I have a similar porch that you
have. Problem I have is that when it rains water leaks through the joist.
Can this method be used with a pitch to divert the water?
I would think that I would not be able to do electrical with the water issue?
I know the have systems out there to work around but just curious.
Have a great day.
Thank you for any response
Fred
Just found this video and this is my question exactly!! Same problem, water dripping through from deck above. Wish there was an answer!
Do you always have to have wood strips to nail to or ca you nail directly to the rafters/joists?
There are some cases where you can nail directly to the rafter. Depends on the situation.
@@TheExcellentLaborer I have a 16 x 45 deck at my cabin and it is 9 feet off of the ground and I want to put vinyl soffit on the underside of the deck as I think it will be nicer. When I saw the wood strips I thought that I could run the soffit material the opposite direction and that it might be easier to install the soffit as the joists are 16 feet long. Impressive that you replied to me and I appreciate that.
How do you do your own wiring? Don't you need a licensed electrician to pull permits?
Also beautiful view 😍
Hey Laith! Where I am building you do not need a licence to do your own wiring or plumbing. Check with your local planning office to see if you do. I'm glad you like the view too!
Thank you for your very informative video. I have a question: I have a front porch that measures approximately 6 x 10' and has (30+ year old) soffit material that is ventilated. I noticed you are using solid soffit. Can I utilize the method you demonstrated using the ventilated type of soffit?
Can I build an under deck ceiling this way as long as I slope it so water drains?
Can you install this over the drywall ceiling?
You could but I do not see the reason to do that. But that’s a good question! Thanks for watching!
@@TheExcellentLaborer just trying to cover up my ugly drywall ceiling, the texture and tape is starting to seperate
ever done this inside? like in a shed converted to an office, could this be a ceiling option??
I would not do this on the inside of a house. Yes inside of a shed would be something you could do this in. Hope that helps!
How do charge for a project such as that I mean if I get a contractor what is the standard charge per foot or hourly so I do not be over charged on the project
How do you remove two pieces and put two new ones in? We are changing from a pocket light on the porch to a lantern.
What about the ceiling fan part, did you enclose that? Or is it handled like the recessed lighting?
Handled it like the recessed lights. I cut around it. Thanks for watching!
👍 thank you
No problem 👍
What about using screws instead of nails?
Im at this point on my porch project.. the only thing I wonder about is.. my porch is about 12 ft from house to where it needs to end.. is there a longer soffit material or does it have to overlapped somehow?
I realize this video is older.. hopefully you will see it and shoot back an answer!.
Thanks!
Probably late, but vinyl soffit comes in 12' sections. If you have over 12', then you require to splice it, which is unsightly. If the ceiling has a dimension less than 12' then strap it so you can install the soffit in the short direction, thereby preventing joints or splices.
@@petemiller519 Thanks for the reply.. well past that.. I ended up dividing the ceiling with wood strips so that the soffit pieces were no more that about 6.5 feet for each section.. so it looks like 3 big rectangles with soffit between them.. and the ceiling fans centered in the end rectangles.. looks nice..
WhAt goes on the attic after installation?
We have to do something similar to our sunroom, but the ceiling is not level. About 1/3 of the ceiling is at a sharper angle than the rest of the ceiling. Any recommendations on how to mitigate that different so the entire soffit installation is flat across?
What state are you in Josh?
I already know I'm going to have to sister in new rafter tails judging by the termite damage I could see from when I replaced 7 1/2' of sheathing on my garage wall. What started out as a back garage door replacement turned into replacing the entire rough opening and a third of the sheathing on that wall as well as adding a few nonstandard studs for extra support (not 16" OC). Will know more once I take down the original soffit on that side. The porch has no blocking and the previous owner already had sistered in new tails.
Question can I put this above my garage instead of paint will this be ok??
Yes it would work fine. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your response!
Great help .Thanks
Can I use this on my basement ceiling?
Hiii, where can I find this vinyl soffit?
I haven’t seen how did you cover the patio siding?
How do you butt two together if the run is longer than you piece of soffit?
You think this would work on the underside of a uncovered wood deck?
I've gotten tons out of your videos they are great. Question, could I use 1x3 furring strips instead of the 2x2? UPDATE.... never mind I see the 2x2's allow better for the lighting fixtures which are the same you're using.
Hey Justin! I’m glad you are finding my videos helpful. Thanks for watching!
Yes sir great ideas and explanations. I'm restoring a 137 year old farm house and you've open up a solution to the old inclosed porch.
@@TheExcellentLaborer I see you work alone more times than not. Any tips on handling the entire 12 foot of soffit material alone?
Very educational video. You have taught me very much. I am planning to redo my front porch and would love your import. How can I send you a picture of what I have and what I want?
The panel next to the J or f channel bowed and will not stay in place. What can I do to fix it/make it stay in place? Thank you
Do you have any links on where I can get this to do my porch
I got the supply’s from ABC building supplies
Is it ok to use screws
What if the span is longer than a piece of soffit? How do you join them?
You could use what’s called H bar or put two pieces of J channel back to back to join the soffit ceiling. I hope that helps!
How does something like this hold up
For a very long time as long as you don’t physically damage it. Vinyl can be brittle if it is cold. Hope that helps!
Great to see you wearing gloves…so many contractors do not and create dirty finished work.
How much does this type of work cost? Bro
How do you install the lsdt piece? Im struggling to understand that
Where can I find those panels ? Maybe a name or who makes it thanks
Certainteed solid soffit from ABC building supply. I hope that helps!
I can't find vinyl soffit in California. It's something that is just not used out here. So, I'm trying to find this exact product. HD and Lowes does not carry it, but I have not checked to see if they can special order it. Does anyone know or have experience with this?
We’re do you buy it?
Lowes, HD, or ABC building supply.
Actually, if you smash it twice, that is un-smashing it.
I thought about that after the fact. Then I didn’t worry about it because I know it’s hard enough to get people to hit it once 😂
Warning to all it will warp with age thanks to Mother Nature. It looks great and clean for awhile.
There is a trick to ended your last panel so there is no nails.
Could have showed us how to install the f channel since that's the first thing you need to thank you for skipping a very important step
And 5 yrs later all that soffit will be sagging down bc u didn't use screws