The size of soffits for filing roof overhangs varies, depending on the design features and material of manufacture. The main purpose of these elements is to give the roof a complete and aesthetically attractive appearance. Consider the characteristics of this innovative finishing material and the rules for its operation.
General information
Sizes of roof soffits are provided by manufacturers in such values to facilitate installation of the product along with quick work. Until recently, in order to improve the overhangs of the roof, lining, trimming boards, siding or other improvised analogues were used. Soffits allow finishing with the maximum quality result. Sheets are sold together with mounting hardware.
The ease of installation of this material makes it possible to equip a home even for novice craftsmen who have basic skills in working with standard construction tools (drill, hammer, metal shears, electric jigsaw, screwdriver). The main thing is to observe safety precautions, as work is carried out at height.
Views
From Italian, the word soffit can be translated as "ceiling". The material itselfis a panel made of plastic, metal or wood. Elements are used for filing cornices and gables of the roof, as well as other horizontal surfaces. Their closest "relatives" are lining and siding. However, the dimensions of the spotlights have some features, namely: their width can reach 80 centimeters. In addition, these panels are divided according to three main criteria: design nuances, material of manufacture, scope of use.
Perforated Models
Soffit perforation allows you to create optimal conditions for ventilation of the space under the roof. This is necessary to prevent the formation of dampness and the consequences associated with it (rot, fungus, mold, etc.). The dimensions of the perforated spotlights make it possible to quickly hem all cultivated areas, including parts of horizontal areas that are isolated from direct sunlight. This solution makes it possible to create ventilation throughout the area, which prevents the formation of condensate and other negative phenomena. This is extremely important for residential and industrial premises.
In fact, perforated panels are a material covered with small through holes throughout the entire work surface. Such details also reliably protect against the penetration of birds and insects into the under-roof space. Since the holes have an extremely small diameter, flies and wasps are not afraid of the inhabitants of the dwelling.
Partially perforated modifications
Such panels have ventilation holesnot over the entire plane, but only on one or a couple of sections of the profiled sheet. The material allows you to organize a kind of adjustment of heat and air exchange. The main scope of destination is the sheathing of the outer horizontal parts of the dwelling under the roof space and not only. In addition, the size of this type of spotlights allows them to be used for finishing gazebos, terraces, verandas or porches. This material can be safely attributed to the universal type.
Analogues without perforation
This version of the panels does not have holes on the surface, it is focused on finishing parts that are exposed to atmospheric precipitation. This includes gable roof overhangs, vertical walls, cornices.
Standard sizes for roof sheathing soffits are 30-80 cm wide and 305 cm long. In addition to wooden counterparts, all modifications are equipped with special locks that serve to securely fix the elements. After docking and proper installation, the latches are masked so that they are not visible. When doing work on your own, remember that the maximum width allows you to install parts faster than with narrow counterparts.
Sizes of vinyl spotlights
Vinyl siding and vinyl soffit analogues have a common structure. According to manufacturers, the service life of such a coating is at least 30 years. In addition, this material is easy to care for, it does not require staining, since the required color scheme is introduced into the composition of the material in advance at the initial stage.production stage.
In stores you can find the color you need without any problems. As a rule, the dimensions of vinyl spotlights do not differ from metal counterparts, they are completed by 16/22 pieces in one package. Key benefits:
- High mechanical and weather resistance.
- Great flexibility.
- The material can be easily cut with a regular hacksaw.
- Parts are light in weight, making them easy to carry to heights.
- Vinyl panels are resistant to corrosion and mold.
- The thermal operating mode is from -50 to +50 degrees, which allows it to be used everywhere in the Russian Federation, except for the polar regions.
- Plastic is resistant to fading, does not fade or fade over time.
- Products are suitable for interior and exterior surfaces.
Sizes of metal spotlights
In the category of metal panels, there are modifications made of steel, aluminum alloy and copper. The most accessible and popular is the first group. Copper is higher in quality, however, has a rather high price. Each metal has its pros and cons.
Steel variations are affordable, equipped with a special enamel protective coating. It is worth noting that after cutting such elements, subsequent processing of the edges is required to protect the material from possible rust and corrosion.
Aluminum alloy counterparts also requireadditional finishing, since the cut is also subject to negative weathering. Despite the high cost, copper panels also cannot be called inherently protected. Although they are slower, they can also deteriorate along the cut edges. Nevertheless, on copper modifications, the development of damage to a certain area is minimal, as a result of which the material has an almost unlimited working life.
Advantages of metal products
The size of spotlights made of non-ferrous metals and steel can be easily adjusted to the required parameter. In addition, panels in this category have the following advantages:
- The material is available on the market in the widest range.
- For a copper roof, panels made of the same metal are optimally suited to sheathing, both from a practical side and in an aesthetic sense.
- When treated properly, the panels will last a long time without being subjected to putrefaction or mold.
- Material is immune to active biodegradation.
- The strength of the metal determines the high resistance to mechanical stress of various origins.
- There is inertness to ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes.
- Operating range -60 to +100 degrees.
- Environmentally friendly material does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere.
- Considered decorative sheathing allows you to strengthen the load-bearing part of the structure and does not present any particular problems when working onheight.
- Low maintenance.
- Aluminum products serve at least 30 years, copper variations have practically no expiration date.
Wooden modifications
Sizes of spotlights for wooden roofs are selected individually. On buildings, you can often see overhangs that are hemmed with planks or boards. Most often, home craftsmen make such a design on their own. If there is not enough experience or time, the panels are ordered from carpentry shops.
Wooden analogues are environmentally friendly, especially models made from natural "breathable" wood. Having opted for this option, do not forget about the arrangement of ventilation. To do this, gaps are left between the elements used. Protection of the space under the roof from insects and small debris is provided by the additional installation of a mosquito net. Wooden panels are fixed perpendicular to the cornice or along it. The choice of configurations depends on the features of the structure and preferences of the owner, as well as the width of the roof.
Installation
Installation of spotlights "Grand Line", the dimensions of which are identical to other metal analogues, is made taking into account the width of the overhang and the height of the rafters. At the first indicator of 400 or more millimeters, the panels are mounted in special profiles that are fixed on the wall or the edges of the rafters. In this case, the arrangement of the crate is not required.
If the width of the parts varies between 400-500 mm, install a bypass rail or beamaround the perimeter at the ends of the rafters. The strapping will strengthen the structure and make it possible to attach additional spotlights. In this case, the fixation step between the elements will decrease, which will allow them to be securely fixed.
If the width of the overhang exceeds 0.5 meters, a crate is mounted under the spotlights, which will serve as a reliable basis for the panels. Bars with slats are equipped on the wall, after which guide profiles are fixed on them. The main structure will be attached to them, having fixation at six points.
