The roof is one of the most difficult and time-consuming stages of house construction. And if the roof and rafter system is more or less clear, it is the cornice, which also needs finishing and it should perform the function of natural ventilation.
For a long time to finish the cornice was not a special material, so it stitched paneling or siding, but neither the one nor the other material did not satisfy the house owners and builders. Linings, absorb dirt, quickly lose the appearance, and siding, the density was created a greenhouse and destroyed the rafters.
Fortunately, today this problem is completely solved, thanks to the spotlights for the roof.
Roof ventilation ↑
The roof structure may be of two types:
- Attic
- Attic
In the first case the insulated overlap, but if a roof is planned living room, then the insulation is laid directly between the rafters. In this case, the heated house air goes up in the form of condensate deposited on the insulation and rafters, which significantly reduces their lifespan.
That is why it is so important to finish the eaves of the roof soffit. Thanks to the perforation, or in other words, small holes, soffit does not prevent the penetration of air under the roof. Thus, a constant ventilation, which does not accumulate moisture.
What is the soffit ↑
In Italian, this word is translated as – «facing down». In fact, this kind of siding, as it has the same lock connection, which hides the fasteners. After installation, Sofit looks like a solid panel without fasteners and connections.
The dimensions of the soffits for the roof have a clear standard, but differ depending on the country of origin:
- American standard – 3.6 m 0.3 m
- Russian standard – 3 m 0.22 m
In addition, the lights differ in the frequency of perforations, and each option is made use of in certain conditions:
- Central perforation, when the holes are placed only in the middle panel. The most common and frequently used kind of lights. Suitable for any type of roof.
- Full perforation when the holes are placed throughout the panel. Some often used with bitumen or standing seam roof, which have a high degree of heat and require greater ventilation.
- Rare perforation, is used for the binder of the roofs of verandas, pergolas or attic roof.
The advantages of spotlights ↑
- Unlike siding, soffits do not require additional processing, and even over time, do not need painting. Sometimes it is enough to simply wash with a hose.
- Esthetic appearance. Thanks to the locking connection, the lights look like a solid panel.
- The strength and durability. The lights are resistant to mechanical stress and do not lose their form over time.
- Security. Even vinyl soffits for roof, made of special plastic resistant to the open fire.
- Strip lights for filing of the roof can also be used for finishing the ceiling in open spaces and on verandas.
- The materials used to make the spotlights, do not form on the surface of the mold and fungus, and therefore environmentally safe.
- The ease of installation. Filing eaves of the roof the batten takes place in the shortest possible time and does not require a great expenditure of energy.
Species ↑
The lights differ in the frequency of perforation and the manufacturer, they can also be made of different materials. This depends on price and durability, but also to choose spotlights «afford» everyone can.
Aluminum ↑
To date, this material can rightly be called the most popular. Aluminium possesses all the necessary characteristics of the material for the exterior, and thus is in the medium price category.
This product is not afraid of any vagaries of nature. And even accidental scratches or impacts during installation will not leave on it the slightest trace.
In addition, the aluminum is very light, and therefore no additional load on the roof.
Cons:
- There are a variety of colors.
- The price is somewhat higher than that of metal or plastic.
Metal ↑
In addition to the strength inherent in any product made of steel, metal soffits for the roof, painted in the same colors as the roof. This Sofit combines well with the rest of the roof. Thanks to the polymer paints, metal it does not corrode.
Cons:
- Very afraid of scratches. When mounting it is very easy to damage the layer of paint and then it will start corrosion.
- Pretty heavy material compared to aluminium and plastic.
Plastic ↑
Vinyl today is almost everything. No exception and soffits for the roof. Of the most obvious advantages is the variety of colors and low price. Besides, the plastic is very easy.
Cons:
- Despite the fact that the panels are made of fireproof plastic material, when melted it emits acrid, toxic smoke.
- Vinyl is low quality, quickly fade in the sun.
- When heated tends to expand. This quality must be considered when mounting.
Copper ↑
The most durable and high-quality material, but also the most expensive. Copper has a unique property – over the years to become stronger. When interacting with the environment, it is covered with a thin layer of patina, which prevents corrosion.
Over time, the copper complex soffit will acquire a greenish pattern, which is very rich to look great on any roof.
Cons:
- The price is very high.
- Copper soffit weighs more than competitors, this should be considered when building a roof system.
- The monotony of colors.
Mount onto the ledge ↑
The sheet set eaves the roof soffit occurs at the very last stage of construction when the roof is fully finished and insulated. There are two methods of finishing eaves. In principle there is no difference, it all depends on the desires of the owner.
The sheathing to the rafters ↑
The easiest and most economical type of finish. The panels are nailed directly to the rafters, while retaining the same slope as the roof.
In order to sheathe the rafters, they need the edge to gash at an angle parallel to the horizon. Further, the entire length of the cornice Board attached, to which are sewn panel.
To more clearly see the method of attaching the soffits to the rafters at the video. It shows the whole process of installation does not take much time and does not require any special tool.
Filing to the basket ↑
More complex and time-consuming method of finishing the eaves. The panels are attached to specially made horizontal box, which is from the edge of the rafters to the walls of the house.
This requires the wall to draw a straight line, the height of which will coincide with the extreme ends of the rafters. For this trait with dowels to the wall is sewn wooden plank or metal guide profile.
The horizontal guide is connected with the rafters, the boxes are nailed Studio lights.
The main advantage of this method is that for any slope of the roof, the lights will be parallel to the ground. This is especially true for mansard roofs, which have a very high angle.
In this clip master shows how to construct a box for a spotlight on the complex roof. As you can see, this method is somewhat more complicated than the sheathing to the rafters, but it looks more impressive.
Conclusion ↑
The main conclusion that can be drawn from the above: choosing what to cover the eaves of the house, should not opt for materials that are initially not adapted to this. Tangible savings here will not work, and problems can be many.
