Garage gable end vertical PCV; how does it work?

[MikeC55]

I'm beginning a garage mod to raise the ceiling by adding a structural ridge beam (so to get rid of rafter ties). Eventually, I will need to remove the PCV gable end cladding to secure the exterior plywood to PSL column going from gable end top plate to the beam. It appears to be trying to simulate T & G with the boards around 5" wide. It isn't obvious how to disassemble this stuff (without ruining it). Any ideas? I'm really not sure how old it is. I'm guessing at least 20 years. I've searched around on-line and don't see anything quite the same, so if I damage it, I'll most likely have to replace it all...

 

[The Cobbler]

first pc is nailed on, the second pc slips over the nailing flange to cover it, the it gets nailed on along the flange . the end pc will probably just be slipped into place . look in the grooves for a parting seam and that will tell you which way they are installed ( left to right or right to left

 

[MikeC55]

Thanks, Cobbler. The vertical panels appear to be trapped on top and bottom ends by a J-channel nailed to the plywood and it seems the only way to release the panels would be to first remove the top J-channel (assuming the nails are exposed when PVC facia cover is removed). The bottom channel nails must be hidden behind the vertical panels. Does this sound correct?

 

[OccupantRJ]

Go to the right or left lower corner and investigate the last corner piece. Once you get that single piece out the rest will be obvious. It normally is snapped in or may be glued with silicon or such. Sometimes a small nail or two is used. Something will have to flex out of place to get started. If the sun hits it wait until it has warmed up. Otherwise a heat gun can help. On new material you can just get on with it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Are these some types of "1x4" or "1x6" boards or vinyl siding ?

If it's siding, you need one of these....atleast they make getting the first piece or two off.

 

[MikeC55]

It's definitely plastic. I assume PVC. I'll look for one of those tools, but I don't think it will address the J-channel trapping the top and bottom of the siding pieces. Maybe the longer ones at the peak might bend enough to sneak one end out of the channel?

 

[manwithtools]

Looks like simple vinyl soffit material installed vertically. Nothing too special about and fairly easy to replace and not expensive to replace if it comes to that. Look up vinyl soffit install on YouTube for some how to videos.

 

[KenC]

It's definitely plastic. I assume PVC. I'll look for one of those tools, but I don't think it will address the J-channel trapping the top and bottom of the siding pieces. Maybe the longer ones at the peak might bend enough to sneak one end out of the channel?

Normally there are not fasteners on the ends. Once the nails on the vertical edge are pulled and the snapped in place lock is unlocked, the PVC will easily flex out of the channels. Actually, once a couple are out, the rest will just lean off vertical and come out.

 

[OccupantRJ]

It is way simpler to deal with than the effort of thinking about it.

 

[Wrench97]

Looks like what I've used as soffit before.

 

[MikeC55]

Thanks, guys.

 

[Uncle murph]

It's definitely plastic. I assume PVC. I'll look for one of those tools, but I don't think it will address the J-channel trapping the top and bottom of the siding pieces. Maybe the longer ones at the peak might bend enough to sneak one end out of the channel?

It moves laterally when unhooking it,you shouldn’t have to touch the j channel.