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Chapter 7 — WALL COVERING

Section R704 — EXTERIOR SOFFITS AND FASCIAS

2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-29 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

R704.1 General wind limitations.

Where the design wind pressure is 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa) or less, exterior soffits shall comply with Section R704.2. Where the design wind pressure exceeds 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa), exterior soffits shall comply with Section R704.3. The design wind pressure on exterior soffits shall be determined using the component and cladding loads specified in Table R301.2.1(1) for walls using an effective wind area of 10 square feet (0.93 m [2] ) and adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301.2.1(2).

R704.2 Exterior Soffit installation where the design wind pressure is 30 psf or less.

Where the design wind pressure is 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa) or less, exterior soffit installation shall comply with Section R704.2.1, R704.2.2, R704.2.3 or R704.2.4. Soffit materials not addressed in Sections R704.2.1 through R704.2.4 shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

R704.2.1 Vinyl and aluminum exterior soffit panels. Vinyl and aluminum exterior soffit panels shall be installed using aluminum, galvanized, stainless steel or rust-preventative coated nails or staples or other approved corrosion-resistant fasteners specified by the manufacturer and shall be fastened at both ends to a supporting component such as a nailing strip, fascia or subfascia component in accordance with Figure R704.2.1(1). Where the unsupported span of exterior soffit panels is greater than 16 inches (406 mm), intermediate nailing strips shall be provided in accordance with Figure R704.2.1(2). Vinyl and aluminum exterior soffit panels shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Fascia covers shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

7-32 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

WALL COVERING

FIGURE R704.2.1(1)—TYPICAL SINGLE-SPAN VINYL AND ALUMINUM EXTERIOR SOFFIT PANEL SUPPORT

FASCIA SHALL BE

INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE

WITH SECTION R704.4.

ATTACH EXTERIOR

SOFFIT

TO SUB-FASCIA OR

TO NAILING STRIP (NOT SHOWN)

RDANCE
.4.
FRAMING
MIN. 1X2 NAILING
STRIP
R
OR
VINYL AND ALUMINUM
EXTERIOR SOFFIT
J-CHANNEL
UNSUPPORTED SPAN
LIMITED PER SECTION R704.2.1 OR R704.3.1

FIGURE R704.2.1(2)—TYPICAL DOUBLE-SPAN VINYL AND ALUMINUM EXTERIOR SOFFIT PANEL SUPPORT

R704.2.2 Fiber-cement exterior soffit panels. Fiber-cement exterior soffit panels shall be a minimum of [1] / 4 inch (6.4 mm) in thickness and shall comply with the requirements of ASTM C1186, Type A, minimum Grade II, or ISO 8336, Category A, minimum Class 2. Panel joints shall occur over framing or over wood structural panel sheathing. Exterior soffit panels shall be installed with spans and fasteners in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. R704.2.3 Hardboard exterior soffit panels. Hardboard exterior soffit panels shall be not less than [7] / 16 inch (11.11 mm) in thickness and shall be fastened to framing or nailing strips with 2 [1] / 2 -inch by 0.113-inch (64 mm by 2.9 mm) siding nails spaced not more than 6 inches (152 mm) on center at panel edges and 12 inches (305 mm) on center at intermediate supports.

R704.2.4 Wood structural panel exterior soffit. The minimum nominal thickness for wood structural panel exterior soffits shall be [3] / 8 inch (9.5 mm) and shall be fastened to framing or nailing strips with 2-inch by 0.099-inch (51 mm by 2.5 mm) nails. Fasteners shall be spaced not less than 6 inches (152 mm) on center at panel edges and 12 inches (305 mm) on center at intermediate supports.

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

WALL COVERING

R704.3 Exterior soffit installation where the design wind pressure exceeds 30 psf.

Where the design wind pressure is greater than 30 psf, exterior soffit installation shall comply with Section R704.3.1, R704.3.2, R704.3.3 or R704.3.4. Exterior soffit materials not addressed in Sections R704.3.1 through R704.3.4 shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

R704.3.1 Vinyl exterior soffit panels. Vinyl exterior soffit panels and their attachments shall be capable of resisting wind loads specified in Table R301.2.1(1) for walls using an effective wind area of 10 square feet (0.929 m [2] ) and adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301.2.1(2). Vinyl exterior soffit panels shall be installed using fasteners specified by the manufacturer and shall be fastened at both ends to a supporting component such as a nailing strip, fascia or subfascia component in accordance with Figure R704.2.1(1). Where the unsupported span of exterior soffit panels is greater than 12 inches (305 mm), intermediate nailing strips shall be provided in accordance with Figure R704.2.1(2). Vinyl exterior soffit panels shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

R704.3.2 Fiber-cement exterior soffit panels. F iber-cement exterior soffit panels shall comply with Section R704.2.2 and shall be capable of resisting wind loads specified in Table R301.2.1(1) for walls using an effective wind area of 10 square feet (0.929 m [2] ) and adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301.2.1(2).

R704.3.3 Hardboard exterior soffit panels. Hardboard exterior soffit panels shall comply with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and shall be capable of resisting wind loads specified in Table R301.2.1(1) for walls using an effective wind area of 10 square feet (0.929 m [2] ) and adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301.2.1(2).

R704.3.4 Wood structural panel exterior soffit. Wood structural panel exterior soffits shall be capable of resisting wind loads specified in Table R301.2.1(1) for walls using an effective wind area of 10 square feet (0.929 m [2] ) and adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301.2.1(2). Alternatively, wood structural panel exterior soffits shall be installed in accordance with Table R704.3.4.

tructural panel exterior soffit.** Wood structural panel exterior soffits shall be capable of resisting wind loads specified in Table R301.2.1(1) for walls using an effective wind area of 10 square feet (0.929 m [2] ) and adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301.2.1(2). Alternatively, wood structural panel exterior soffits shall be installed in accordance with Table R704.3.4.

TABLE R704.3.4—PRESCRIPTIVE ALTERNATIVE FOR WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL EXTERIOR SOFFIT b, c, d, e

MAXIMUM DESIGN
PRESSURE
(+ or - psf)		 MINIMUM
PANEL SPAN
RATING		 MINIMUM PANEL
PERFORMANCE
CATEGORY		 NAIL TYPE
AND SIZE		 FASTENERa SPACINGe ALONG
EDGES AND INTERMEDIATE SUPPORTS
(inches)		 FASTENERa SPACINGe ALONG
EDGES AND INTERMEDIATE SUPPORTS
(inches)
MAXIMUM DESIGN
PRESSURE
(+ or - psf)		 MINIMUM
PANEL SPAN
RATING		 MINIMUM PANEL
PERFORMANCE
CATEGORY		 NAIL TYPE
AND SIZE		 Galvanized Steel Stainless Steel
30 24/0 3/8 6d box
(2 × 0.099 × 0.266 head diameter)		 6f 4
40 24/0 3/8 6d box
(2 × 0.099 × 0.266 head diameter)		 6 4
50 24/0 3/8 6d box
(2 × 0.099 × 0.266 head diameter)		 4 4
50 24/0 3/8 8d common
(21/2 × 0.131 × 0.281 head diameter)		 6 6
60 24/0 3/8 6d box
(2 × 0.099 × 0.266 head diameter)		 4 3
60 24/0 3/8 8d common
(21/2 × 0.131 × 0.281 head diameter)		 6 4
70 24/16 7/16 8d common
(21/2× 0.131 × 0.281 head diameter)		 4 4
70 24/16 7/16 10d box
(3 × 0.128 × 0.312 head diameter)		 6 4
80 24/16 7/16 8d common
(21/2 × 0.131 × 0.281 head diameter)		 4 4
80 24/16 7/16 10d box
(3 × 0.128 × 0.312 head diameter)		 6 4
90 32/16 15/32 8d common
(21/2 × 0.131 × 0.281 head diameter)		 4 3
90 32/16 15/32 10d box
(3 × 0.128 × 0.312 head diameter)		 6 4

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Fasteners shall comply with Sections R703.3.2 and R703.3.3.
b. Maximum spacing of exterior soffit framing members shall not exceed 24 inches.
c. Wood structural panels shall be of an exterior exposure grade.
d. Wood structural panels shall be installed with strength axis perpendicular to supports with not fewer than two continuous spans.
e. Fastener spacing applies where wood exterior soffit framing member-specific gravity is 0.42 or larger. Where the specific gravity of exterior soffit framing members is greater
than or equal to 0.35 but less than 0.42 in accordance with AWC NDS, the fastener spacing shall be multiplied by 0.67 or the same fastener spacing as prescribed for galvanized
steel nails shall be permitted to be used where RSRS-01 (2-inch by 0.099-inch by 0.266-inch head) nails replace 6d box nails and RSRS-03 (21/2-inch × 0.131-inch × 0.281-inch
head) nails replace 8d common nails or 10d box nails. RSRS is a Roof Sheathing Ring Shank nail meeting the specifications in ASTM F1667. Framing members shall be mini-
mum 2 × 3 nominal with the larger dimension in the cross section aligning with the length of fasteners to provide sufficient embedment depths.
f. Spacing at intermediate supports shall be not greater than 12 inches on center.

7-34 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

WALL COVERING

R704.4 Fascia.

Fascia shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

R704.4.1 Aluminum fascia. Aluminum fascia shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and comply with Section R704.4.1.1 or R704.4.1.2.

R704.4.1.1 Fascia installation where the design wind pressure is 30 psf or less. Where the design wind pressure is 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa) or less, aluminum fascia shall be a attached with one finish nail [1 [1] / 4 inches by 0.57 inch by 0.177 inch head diameter (32 mm × 14.5 mm × 4.5 mm)] in the return leg spaced a maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) on center, and the fascia shall be inserted under the drip edge with at least 1 inch (305 mm) of fascia material covered by the drip edge. Where the fascia can not be inserted under the drip edge, the top edge of the fascia shall be secured using one finish nail [1 [1] / 4 inches by 0.57 inch by 0.177 inch head diameter (32 mm × 14.5 mm × 4.5 mm)] located not more than 1 inch (25 mm) below the drip edge and spaced a maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) on center.

R704.4.1.2 Fascia installation where the design wind pressure exceeds 30 psf. Where the design wind pressure is greater than 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPa), aluminum fascia shall be attached with one finish nail [1 [1] / 4 inches by 0.57 inch by 0.177 inch head diameter (32 mm × 14.5 mm × 4.5 mm)] in the return leg spaced a maximum of 16 inches (406 mm) on center and one finish nail located not more than 1 inch (25 mm) below the drip edge spaced a maximum of 16 inches (406 mm) on center. As an alternative, the top edge of the fascia is permitted to be secured using utility trim installed beneath the drip edge with snap locks punched into the fascia spaced not more than 6 inches (152 mm) on center.

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▸ Contents — 2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5)
2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5)
  1. Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — BUILDING PLANNING
  4. Chapter 4 — FOUNDATIONS
  5. Chapter 5 — FLOORS
  6. Chapter 6 — WALL CONSTRUCTION
  7. ▸ Chapter 7 — WALL COVERING
    Overview
    1. Section R701 — GENERAL
    2. Section R702 — INTERIOR COVERING
    3. Section R703 — EXTERIOR WALL COVERING
    4. Section R704 — EXTERIOR SOFFITS AND FASCIAS
    5. Section R705 — BIPV SYSTEMS FOR EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS AND FE…
  8. Chapter 8 — ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION
  9. Chapter 9 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES
  10. Chapter 10 — CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES
  11. Chapter 44 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  12. Appendix AA — BOARD OF APPEALS
  13. Appendix AB — PERMIT FEES
  14. Appendix AC — RESERVED
  15. Appendix BA — RESERVED
  16. Appendix BB — TINY HOUSES
  17. Appendix BC — RESERVED
  18. Appendix BD — RESERVED
  19. Appendix BE — RADON CONTROL METHODS
  20. Appendix BF — PATIO COVERS
  21. Appendix BG — SOUND TRANSMISSION
  22. Appendix BH — AUTOMATIC VEHICULAR GATES
  23. Appendix BI — LIGHT STRAW-CLAY CONSTRUCTION
  24. Appendix BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
  25. Appendix BK — COB CONSTRUCTION (MONOLITHIC ADOBE)
  26. Appendix BL — HEMP-LIME (HEMPCRETE) CONSTRUCTION
  27. Appendix BM — 3D-PRINTED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
  28. Appendix BN — EXTENDED PLATE WALL CONSTRUCTION
  29. Appendix BO — EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
  30. Appendix CA — RESERVED
  31. Appendix CB — RESERVED
  32. Appendix CC — RESERVED
  33. Appendix CD — RESERVED
  34. Appendix CE — RESERVED
  35. Appendix CF — RESERVED
  36. Appendix CG — NONSEWERED SANITATION SYSTEMS
  37. Appendix CH — PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL
  38. Appendix CI — SWIMMING POOL SAFETY ACT
  39. Appendix CJ — EMERGENCY HOUSING
  40. Appendix CK — AREAS PROTECTED BY THE FACILITIES OF THE CENTRAL…

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