Speedlap Installation Video with Kyle from RR Buildings
- Aug 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 5
Mastering Soffit & Fascia on The Modest House
The "Modest House" project has been a journey of careful craftsmanship and smart material choices. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's a critical step in protecting the home's structure from the elements.
Our partner RR Buildings tackled this phase with efficiency in mind, leveraging a fantastic product from Metal Wholesale: the Speedlap soffit system.
Why Soffit & Fascia Matter (Beyond Just Looks)
Before we dive into the "how," let's quickly cover the "why":
Ventilation: Soffit (the underside of your roof's overhang) often contains vents to allow air to circulate in your attic, preventing heat and moisture buildup.
Protection: Both soffit and fascia (the trim board running along the edge of your roof) shield the vulnerable ends of your roof rafters from rain, snow, and pests.
Curb Appeal: Let's be honest, well-installed soffit and fascia provide that clean, finished look that elevates a home's exterior.
Enter Speedlap: The Game Changer from Metal Wholesale
RR Buildings chose Metal Wholesale's Speedlap soffit system for its speed and durability, and it didn't disappoint. This isn't your average flimsy aluminum or vinyl. Here's what makes it stand out:
29-Gauge Grade 80 Steel: This is the real deal. Unlike lighter gauge materials, Speedlap offers superior strength and impact resistance. Our crew noted how it doesn't "rattle" in high winds, a definite plus when you're battling the elements on-site!
Quick-Lock Design: This is where "Speedlap" earns its name. Each 16-inch wide panel features a unique "Quick-Lock" mechanism. You fasten the nailing leg of one panel, and the next panel snaps securely over it, concealing the fasteners. The result? A perfectly clean, screw-free finish.
Custom Cut-to-the-Inch: One of the biggest time-savers on the Modest House project was ordering Speedlap pre-cut to specific lengths. Metal Wholesale cuts these panels to the inch, eliminating tedious field cutting and ensuring a precise fit every time. This reduces waste and dramatically speeds up installation.
Sherwin-Williams WeatherXL™ Coating: Durability isn't just about the steel; it's about the finish. Speedlap comes with a premium WeatherXL™ coating, available in over 35 colors and various textures (including stunning wood-grain patterns!). This means long-lasting color retention and minimal maintenance.
Ventilation Options: Whether you need solid panels, a discreet center vent, or full ventilation (offering an impressive 15 sq. in. of free air per linear foot), Speedlap has a configuration to meet your attic's needs.
On-Site Insights: Pro-Tips from The RR Buildings
Even with a product like Speedlap, precision and technique are key. Here's what our partner learned:
Snap a True Level Line: "Measure twice, cut once" applies here. A perfectly level chalk line along the eave is crucial. Any deviation will be magnified as you install panels.
"Snug, Not Tight" Fastening: When securing the nailing leg, drive fasteners until they're snug, but avoid over-tightening. This allows the metal to expand and contract with temperature changes without buckling or "oil canning."
Mastering the Kick-Out Flashing: This critical detail prevents water from running down the wall and behind the siding. Our crew fabricated theirs from a piece of 90° metal, making a simple slit and bend. Crucially, it was tucked behind the HydroGap housewrap, ensuring a continuous water-shedding plane.
Taming the Wind: Long pieces of steel fascia can be a handful, especially on a windy day. The crew's "meta" involved pinning the center of the fascia first, then working outwards, allowing one person to "set the line" while the other fastened.
Pitch Perfect Bending: For gable ends and transitions, exact angles are vital. Use a scrap piece of Speedlap or the J-channel itself as a template to mark and bend your fascia to match the roof's pitch (in our case, 4/12).
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