Soffits for roofing: sizes, prices and an overview of the varieties

After completion of the roof installation, a mandatory cornice finish is required. This will protect it from the effects of external natural factors - rain, snow, strong winds, prevent bird nesting, the appearance of harmful insects and extend the life of the roof. Today, special elements are used for these purposes - soffits for roofing: sizes, prices and manufacturers, materials used and installation tips will be presented in this article.

How can you make a roofing

The roofing of the building has always been lined. If this is not done, then the roof will quickly deteriorate, and the house itself will be cold and damp. There are a large number of different materials that can be used to decorate the facade and roof:

• wooden plank. You can use edged or unedged timber. Most often, conifers are preferred. It is inexpensive and affordable. Before installation, the tree is treated with an antiseptic. After that, it is kept for 30 days in a warm, well-ventilated place. When the boards are laid directly, slots for ventilation are provided at the joints;

• lining. Affordable and inexpensive material. For outdoor use, it is chosen with moisture resistant and antiseptic characteristics. The lining is laid tightly to each other. However, a ventilation gap is provided between the cornice and the wall of the house;
• siding panels. This type of material has appeared relatively recently. However, it has earned popularity due to its affordable cost and long service life. A feature of the installation of siding is the need to install it perpendicular to the wall of the house. Otherwise, the panels may sag under their own weight;
• plywood sheets. Before starting installation, this material is exposed to a special moisture-repellent impregnation. Then they are cut into strips of the required size and then they begin to work;
• metal siding. Aluminum and galvanized plates are easy to install and durable. However, they have a very high cost;
• spotlights. Convenient and reliable material that does not need to be pre-prepared before installation.The filing of the roof overhangs with spotlights can be done by any home craftsman. No special knowledge is required to perform this work.

Next, let's look at the spotlights in more detail.

Varieties of soffits for roofing

Modern manufacturers divide soffits for roofs according to structural features and materials from which they are made.

Existing types:

• non-perforated solid. In appearance, it resembles a solid smooth panel. This type is recommended for use when pouring gable overhangs;
• partial perforation. This type is distinguished by the presence of perforations in the middle of the panel. Using this type allows you to get good ventilation. This makes it possible to prevent the appearance of mold, mildew and condensation. Perfect for finishing any part of the cornice;
• fully perforated. It is recommended to choose this type for finishing overhangs with cornices, visors, skates. Perforated soffit is the best choice for gazebo roof, porch or veranda. It will provide the necessary ventilation.

The difference between them is clearly visible in the photo of soffits for roofing, which are now many on the Internet. Based on them, you can select the type that meets the requirements of the finish and roof configuration. In addition to structural features, soffits are divided according to the materials used.

Materials for making spotlights

The size and cost of soffits is influenced by the material used for their manufacture. Popular brands are selected for this aluminum, copper, metal and plastic.

Let's dwell on them in more detail:

• perforated copper soffits are the most expensive. They are distinguished by a small plate thickness and a long service life of up to 150 years. At the same time, soffits are environmentally friendly, resistant to the effects of aggressive environmental factors, do not require constant careful maintenance;
• soffits for roofs made of aluminum are distinguished by their low price, resistance to temperature changes. Thanks to a special coating, they do not corrode. The thickness of the plates ranges from 0.3 to 0.6 mm;
• stainless soffits are considered the most durable. They are distinguished by resistance to moisture and temperature extremes. For finishing the eaves of the roof with soffits made of metal, both perforated and solid plates can be used. The price of a metal soffit is the lowest among other types;
• for the manufacture of plastic soffits, polyvinyl chloride is used. They are distinguished by their low price and light weight. Such spotlights withstand temperature changes well. They are not susceptible to mold and mildew, but may turn yellow when exposed to direct sunlight.

Helpful advice! When choosing soffits for roofing, it is necessary to take into account the type of structure. Metal elements will make the structure heavier and put pressure on the foundation. Therefore, in frame houses, it is better to choose plastic for roof finishing.

Soffit sizes

Oddly enough, however, today there are no standardized parameters for spotlights. Each manufacturer offers their own sizes to the client. This allows you to choose exactly what is best for a particular curtain rod. After all, it is impossible to trim panels.

Most often, companies offer soffits with dimensions of 360x30 cm. These parameters are convenient and practical. Knowing them, you can easily calculate the required number of panels. They fit well, forming a beautiful pattern on the cornice.

Domestic soffit manufacturing companies offer panels with a width of 50 to 80 cm. If desired, you can find wider models.

The thickness of the aluminum panels ranges from 0.3 to 0.6 mm.But vinyl can have the following parameters:

• thickness from 1 to 1.2 mm;
• width from 2.2 to 3 cm;
• length from 30 to 38.5 cm.

Helpful advice! It should be noted that the parameters of domestic and foreign manufacturers differ from each other. Therefore, when buying spotlights, you must carefully study their sizes.

Advantages of soffits for roofing

Soffit roofing has several advantages over other types of finishes. The main advantages of using this material include the following points:

• high resistance to mechanical stress;
• no special requirements for care (it is enough to wash with water twice a year);
• resistance to moisture, direct sunlight and high temperatures;

• wide range of applications (great not only for outdoor, but also for indoor decoration);
• ease of installation;
• resistance to fungus and mold;
• excellent appearance;
• protection not only for the roof, but also for all communications located under it;
• the ability to use at various temperatures, from -60 to 120 ° C.

In addition, they are environmentally friendly for human health and have a good appearance.

Disadvantages of spotlights

Like any material, soffits for roof filing have a number of disadvantages that you need to be aware of when choosing them for yourself. Experts refer to them:

• the need for constant monitoring of the condition of the plates. The perforated soffit can be clogged with various small debris. Under the influence of strong gusts of wind, the plates loosen and come out of the grooves. A thorough inspection of all spotlights is required every year. And once every five years, their full or partial replacement is required;

• the cost of this material is quite high. If you compare it with the usual corrugated board, then the latter can be purchased 2 times cheaper;
• impossibility to change the size of the soffit if necessary. So when laying siding or corrugated board, the material can be reduced using available tools. You can't do that with a soffit. This is due to the presence of perforations in its design. Their violation leads to a deterioration in the performance of the material.

Helpful advice! If the roof has non-standard corners or curves, then perforated soffits are not the best choice as a cornice finish.

Soffits for roofing: sizes, prices and manufacturers

Today, various domestic and foreign companies produce soffits for the roof, prices for which range from 280 to 1100 rubles / m. Due to the fact that this material has a significant cost, experts recommend purchasing it only from well-known manufacturers.

Overview of manufacturers of soffits for roofing

There are a significant number of manufacturers of finishing plates on the construction market, consider the most famous in more detail.

Döcke... The homeland of this manufacturer is Germany. We have known the products of this brand since 2006. The company offers customers to buy soffits for roofing in several sizes: 3050x305 and 3050x151 mm. You can choose from white, red or chocolate plates. A distinctive feature of this manufacturer is the completing of soffits with additional elements that are necessary during installation.

Gentek... The company is American, although it has been operating in our market for several years. It produces aluminum soffits for roofing, the price of which is the highest on the building materials market. However, by purchasing a plate, the client immediately receives a complete set with additional elements. He doesn't have to buy them separately.Includes j-rail, j-bevel, wind bars, finish bar, and aluminum textured strip. Soffits of this brand are brown and white. The size of the plates is 3660x306 mm.

Grand Line... This is a Russian manufacturer. He offers metal soffits for roofing, the price of which is affordable. You can choose brown or white color of the products. The sizes offered by the manufacturer are 3000x305 mm. The advantages of the plates of this brand are a long service life (up to 50 years), resistance to sunlight, shock, invisibility of joining and good flexibility.

Holzplast Is a company from Germany. It offers vinyl soffits that are made by pressing. The use of co-extrusion technology enables the manufacturer to produce two- and three-layer soffits. The dimensions of the plates are 3660x266 m. The client can choose white, chocolate or golden oak.

Royal europa Is a Polish brand. You can buy spotlights for the roof of this company in different colors. The dimensions of the plates are 3660x305 mm. The difference between this manufacturer is the use of organic tin stabilizers. They are absolutely safe for human health and the environment.

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Alta Profile... This company is domestic. A distinctive feature of this brand is a good value for money. Its soffits perfectly tolerate exposure to direct sunlight and low temperatures. The dimensions of the plates are 3000x230 mm.

Odintsovo Light Structures Plant offers the domestic buyer a metal perforated soffit, the price of which is affordable. At the same time, the quality remains high. Plates have dimensions 3000x325 mm and are presented in a wide range of colors.

Helpful advice! When deciding to hem the roof cornice with soffit, you should not chase the manufacturer's popularity. Our domestic companies offer materials of not the worst quality at an affordable price and with excellent performance.

Vinyl, metal and aluminum spotlights: product price

The table shows the most popular soffit manufacturers and their cost depending on the material:

Manufacturer	Cost, rub.
Vinyl
Belarusian manufacturer	from 280
Vox	from 260
Docke	from 330
Vinylon	from 360
FineBer	from 360
Mitten	from 600
Metal
Grand Line	from 400
Aquasystem	from 580
Aluminum
Aquasystem	from 790
Gentek	from 1100

 

All presented models have certificates that guarantee product quality and high performance.

How to hem the roof with soffit?

Modern construction offers two options for filing the cornice with soffit. The choice of one of them depends on the personal preferences and desires of the owner of the house. However, both options require preparatory work. They boil down to the insulation of the building from the outside. After that, you can buy spotlights for roofing and start installing them.

Installation methods for spotlights

There are two ways to stack the plates.

Classic filing... In this case, the usual horizontal wooden box is installed. An additional board must be installed between the rafters. The edges of the plate will be attached to it. The soffits are laid along the wooden frame. One edge of the plate is fixed on the lower section of the rafters, and the second on the additional laid board. In those corners where the roof slopes come into contact, it is necessary to fix the ends of the boards.The joints obtained in this way are located from the angle of conjugation of the walls to the angle obtained by the slopes.

This design solution makes it possible to obtain a rigid structure resistant to external influences. It doesn't depend on walls. In order for the installation of spotlights on the eaves to be reliable, it is necessary to purchase special corners and plates for metal. However, quite often, ordinary screws are used to secure them.

Hems on rafters... This option should be chosen when the roof of the house has a slight slope. In this case, the angle of the roof slope coincides with the angle of the filing. The plates are fixed on rafters running parallel to the walls of the house. If the bottom of the rafters has an uneven surface, leveling is done with an additional board.

The most commonly used set is classic. It is characterized by simplicity and speed of installation. More time is required for filing along the rafters.

Additional elements for installation

To carry out finishing work, you will not only have to buy soffits for the roof, but also purchase a number of additional elements for them. Some manufacturers offer the entire kit at once. However, this increases the price of soffits for roof filing.

Additional elements used in finishing works:

• finish line. It is used at the final stage, after all panels and additional elements are installed. She supports spotlights. In addition, the finishing tape is used to design oblique lines at the joints of soffits;
• j-chamfer. Its purpose is to protect the ends of the planks from the wind and give the structure the necessary rigidity;
• j-profile. Used when installing closed overhangs. The spotlights themselves are attached to it;
• h-profile. Its purpose is to connect spotlights with rafters and roof beams;
• profiles for the design of external and internal docking corners.

The listed items are optional. Their number can increase and decrease depending on the roof of the house, the features of the installation, etc.

What is needed for installation

The technology for installing spotlights is quite simple and straightforward. It is not necessary to invite a specialist to perform it. It is enough to carefully study the installation video and adhere to it during installation work. However, you cannot do without a certain set of tools and spare parts:

• fastening profiles must be purchased in a complete set. Otherwise, you should not start work;
• sharp carpenter's knife. With its help, it is convenient to install the plates into the grooves;
• hacksaw for metal;
• marker with built-in self-tapping screw;
• ruler and screwdriver;
• stairs or scaffolding for work at height.

It is more convenient to carry out installation work in pairs. This will not only speed up the process, but also greatly facilitate it.

Sequence of work

Above are two options for installing spotlights. For beginners, the classic will be simpler and clearer. Installation on log cabins has a number of features, so it is better to carry out it by a specialist.

Below is a step-by-step instruction for filing the eaves with a soffit:

• both plastic and metal panels are installed on a wooden frame. For its manufacture, a bar of wood with a cross section of 5 cm is used.Do not take a tree with a larger or smaller diameter. A thick beam will make the roof structure heavier, and a thin one will not withstand the effects of external forces (strong wind or heavy snowfall);

• before starting to fasten the beams, it is necessary to carefully mark the wall of the house. In this case, it is imperative to mark where the internal grooves and fasteners will be located. When installing spotlights, the marks must completely match.This will ensure that the eaves surface is even;
• after marking, a wooden beam is installed. In this case, the use of the building level is mandatory. The owner decides how the timber will be fixed to the wall. If the structure is brick, then you can use nails and just nail the tree. If the house is made of wood, foam blocks or other material, then it is better to use a screwdriver or install dowels;

• a supporting profile is installed on the timber. It has a j-groove. The soffits will be installed in it. The panels have the same groove. This provides the required rigidity of the future structure;
• the next step is to install the trim panels. You can use nails or screws to mount them. To achieve a snug fit of the panels is not worth it. There should be a small gap between them. Do not worry that cold wind will blow in there or moisture gets in. During subsequent operation, this gap will self-eliminate;
• the final stage is the installation of the finishing tape at the joints.

After the installation is completed, it is recommended to treat the resulting surface with protective enamels for outdoor use.

Carrying out roof filing is an obligatory and necessary stage when finishing the roof. This will ensure the safety of the roof frame from the effects of external natural factors, the appearance of harmful insects and birds. The latter can cause significant damage to the tree used. In addition, a loose cornice leaves the house damp and cold, which in turn increases heating costs.