Aluminum Fascia

eglanc

I'm contracting a large custom home in Ontario, Canada.
I had aluminum soffit and fascia's installed by a contractor during the colder weather in November. Now I'm noticing, during the warmer days, especially the sides that are facing the sun, that the fascia aluminum is starting to get waves in it, as it heats up and then returns to normal when the temperatures drop. The eavestroughs have not been installed yet. Is there any way to prevent or correct this problem? Did the aluminum installer do something wrong or is this a natural occurring problem due to the fact of contraction and expansion? Will the placement of the eves, stop this ? (There are areas, on peaked gables, that will not have eaves, where this waving, is quite noticeable)
Thanks

Tinstaafl

I assume that you mean you had them wrapped with aluminum sheet metal?

You are correct; in warmer weather, the metal will expand significantly. I know of no way to correct for that problem with metal that was hung in the cold--I try to schedule projects so that any of that work gets done in warm weather.

There are ways of fastening it so that the rippling effect is minimized, but by your description the damage is done. The only way to really make it right would be to remove and re-do it.

homework

You can try rehanging, using a "trim nail slot punch" and don't hammer the nails in too tight, stop just before the nail touches the metal.

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jumbo

Unfortunatly, aluminum is a poor fascia cover, Even under the best field conditions,you may have oil-canning. If I waited till warm weather for these jobs in Minnesota I'd starve to death.So I always try to choose steel fascia, but cant always due to the fact they dont offer nearly as many color options. Gutters are going to help on eave areas, but afraid your'e out of luck on rakes.

rojigga

If you nail the face then there is no remedy for buckling.

On rakes I put a little painted screw through the underside of the fascia making sure the fascia isn't as tight as it can go into the gable trim and also making sure not to screw very tight. We use 5" gutters here so there is no need for aluminum fascia around the perimeter.

katoman

'Homework' is correct, you can rehang the facia but need to use a slot cutter so the facia can move. There is another method - the facia is screwed below with small aluminum screws, and at the top it is insterted into a pressure fit trim. This allows the facia to expand and contract.

jaros bros.

I've never had trouble with fascia in hot or cold weather doing jobs in Minnesota or the NE. The key is to allow for expansion and never nail into the face of the fascia. I have always used three nails to hold a 10' piece up. Predrill the aluminum to give a little room for movement. Unless you're in a hurrican zone, it won't blow off, which is what everyone thinks will happen if you don't put a thousand nails into it.

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Josh Jaros www.jarosbros.com Remodeling in The Woodlands, Texas

Tom Struble

slot punch?screws?hmm learn something new here all the time

loneframer

One option would be to cover it with Azek.

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galla35

you and your azek i swear your a rep. and what if you want more than white? thats all i ever see is white.

But as far as the aluminum nail it loose and don't over load it and stay away from the face

Tom Struble

but he does it so niiice!

galla35

indeed he does

loneframer

Azek is very paintable, scuff lightly, prime and paint with acrylic latex. It doesn't absorb water so the paint holds up well.

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rojigga

That's what I just said! Jeez if you're from Ontario you think everything you do is original!

katoman

Holey! didn't mean to step on your toe, was making the point about the pressure trim. Is it raining in BC ?

Csavage1

We use pvc coated coil and it seems to help with the ripples. Three nails per 10 ft is enough most of the time but on high wind areas we will put a nail in the shadow line just below the drip edge.

We also have a brake buddy from Tapco that will put a groove in the face of the coil about 1 or so wide and there is a roller that will duplicate exterior door brickmold. Good Luck

rojigga

No worries mate, just having a go! A little rain, though I'm inland so it's never that bad. Heard its already summer in Ontario.

Boycer88

yes the installer did something wrong you are suppose to install a fascia splice in between 2 pieces and leave a 1/4" gap

jumbo

I've never used a "fascia splice". Is this something you fabricate yourself or purchase? Wonder how the finished look might appear, any pic's?

shanekw1

I always use screws through the bottom of the fascia and tuck it into the roof edge. Even when I put it on in the middle of winter, it does not get wavy. 3 screws per length is plenty around here, (35 km/hr wind is a hurricane to me )

Dont mind the corner that should have been mitered.

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