Many homes have a soffit running along the roof’s eaves.  The purpose of a soffit is to cover the exposed ends of the roof’s rafters.  The soffit protects the rafters from elements and keeps small animals out of the house.  The panels of the soffit are secured with F-channels – so called because they resemble the letter F.  Once siding is installed, the F-channels are nailed to both fascia board and siding so the soffit panels can be installed.  The main purpose of the F-channel, then, is to provide support for the soffit panels, which fit into the grooves of the channel.

To further illustrate how the F-channels are used, there needs to be an understanding of the construction process involving the fascia board and the siding.  Following is a brief explanation of the process from beginning to end.  Further information can be obtained from the manufacturers of siding materials and from home improvement stores.

To begin the installation, strips of F-channel are nailed to the bottom outside edge of the fascia board, which is nailed to the ends of the roof rafters.  The F-channels are placed upside down with the slot facing the house.  The lower edge of the channel should be checked with a level, with the level placed spanning the gap that lies between the fascia board and siding.  The level must be checked every three feet or so along the siding to ensure accuracy.

Markings made at each of the level checkpoints will allow the contractor to draw a chalk line between them to indicate where the F-channels should be placed. The strips of the F-channels are then positioned against the siding’s upper edge with the slot facing the channel that is nailed to the fascia board.  The soffit panels can now be placed into the channel’s grooves.

An advanced handyman homeowner can tackle the job with the help of an illustrated guide and some basic tools that may already be on hand.  A hammer, nails, hacksaw, carpenter’s level, and chalk line are the tools required for the job.

Illustrations are useful to clarify any project that essentially involves assembly.  Clear, concise and basic general instructions with illustrations can be found online at hrti.com (Home Remodeling Technology, Inc.).  Variform.com also has useful illustrations and installation guidelines.

Whether the homeowner is doing the work himself or hiring a contractor, it is always a good idea to learn the technology pertaining to the project being undertaken.  This is certainly true of the understanding of the F-channel and its purpose.