Soffits for filing roof eaves

Let’s talk today about spotlights. This is not about lighting fixtures, as you might think, but about a special material that has a narrow purpose – the filing of the roof eaves. We will tell you what kind of spotlights are for cornices, about their features and do-it-yourself installation rules.

Soffits for filing side and gable roof overhangs are ready-made panels that can be made from:

• galvanized steel;
• aluminum;
• PVC, vinyl;
• copper.

That is, we are talking about metal and plastic panels. In general, soffits for cornices are a special kind of siding. However, they have a narrower scope and, compared to conventional siding, they are considered the best choice for finishing overhangs, the lower part of the eaves.

In addition to the material of manufacture, soffits for overhangs are distinguished by the presence of perforations:

• Panels without perforation. These are solid plastic, vinyl or metal panels that reliably protect wooden roof structures from moisture. Deaf spotlights without perforation are often used precisely on vertical planes: overhangs, low tides, pediments, where rain drops can fall;
• Fully perforated spotlights. Ventilation narrow openings are located along the entire surface of the panels. Such soffits are used for finishing overhangs where moisture cannot get. For pediment and eaves overhangs, this is an excellent option, because a large number of holes allows air to circulate under the roof frame, the entire rafter system is provided with natural ventilation. Perforated soffits are also used, for example, for covering the ceiling of a gazebo, porch or terrace canopy;
• Partially perforated spotlights. The surface area with holes is less, blind strips alternate with perforated ones. It is a versatile option that provides both ventilation and moisture protection.

The standard length of one soffit strip is 3 m, the width is 30.5–35 cm, and the thickness is slightly more than a millimeter. There are longer options, up to 6 m. In addition, there are single, double and triple panels. Soffits with three segments are the most popular, single ones are more often used to seal bottlenecks, along the edges of the overhangs so that you do not have to cut by hand.

The total area of ​​one triple panel, thus, is 0.915 m for a standard length of 3 m and a width of 30.5 cm². The price ranges from 230 to 350 rubles per panel, depending on the manufacturer and the material used. Copper spotlights are, of course, the most expensive.

Most often you can find spotlights of white and brown, wood-like colors. Metal strips can be of a variety of shades. Experts believe that it is not at all necessary to choose spotlights to match the color of the roof, because the eaves overhangs are a separate, lower element. But for a wooden structure, to preserve a single picture, it is best to choose brown planks..

A big plus of using soffits for filing eaves overhangs is that manufacturers offer all additional elements in addition to the main panels. There are details for finishing the ends, transitions, corners. All the parts fit into the lock, the connections are not visible, a non-professional can handle the installation.

Important! Soffits are always attached exclusively perpendicular to the wall!

Experts believe that it is best to use metal soffits for filing cornices. Yes, they are somewhat more expensive than plastic ones. But the service life is long, they will definitely not be driven due to temperature changes, they look attractive, have a rich color gamut, and are protected from corrosion.

According to experts, sometimes finishing the cornices with metal soffits lasts longer than the rest of the roof structure. There is no need for antiseptic treatment, painting. All care consists in washing with soapy water if necessary.

For the installation of spotlights on the eaves overhang, you will need to arrange the crate. Most often, it is made of wooden blocks that are installed under the roof and in the gutter. A metal profile can also be used. Soffits and other parts are fastened with roofing screws. Read more about the installation of spotlights on the eaves of the cornices in our selected videos.