Installation of spotlights for filing the roof -
The construction of the roof is a laborious, lengthy process that does not end after the installation of the roofing material, but only enters its finishing phase. After the end of the main works, finishing works follow, bringing the exterior of the house to an ideal state, these include eaves trimming and filing of overhangs.
Previously, these operations were carried out with the help of clapboard, siding or scraps of boards, materials for this not intended, which complicated the task for builders. However, since the spotlights for the roof appeared in the shops, the opportunity arose to hem the overhangs qualitatively and quickly. 
The advantages of spotlights
Before the appearance of sofit panels, the overhangs and eaves of the roof were hemmed with the help of other non-specialized materials, usually everything that remained from the construction was used: trimming boards, wall paneling or siding. However, trimming has some great advantages:
- Resistant to mechanical damage. It is a durable material that withstands shock, temperature extremes, precipitation and does not burn.
- Easy installation. Manufacturers produce roof soffits with a greater width than siding panels, so installation takes less time. A mount with a reliable lock firmly fixes the spotlights between them. In addition, installation can be performed in any weather, at any time of the year.
- Sofit panels, unlike wood finishing materials, do not suffer from the impact of mold and putrefactive microorganisms; they are tolerant to any kinds of biological effects.
- The perforated soffit panel allows fresh air to enter the attic or attic room, thanks to which forced ventilation functions.
- Aesthetic appearance. Neat filing, matched to the decoration of the fronts or roofing material, looks much more impressive.
- Careless care. Soffits do not require staining or regular treatment with antiseptic impregnations. To keep them clean, it is enough to wipe the panels once a season with a damp cloth with soapy water.
- Versatility. Having bought spotlights for the roof, you can use them to sheathe the pediment cornice or the ceiling of the arbor.
- Compliance with fire and environmental regulations. The material from which the perforated panels are made does not burn, does not sustain combustion, is resistant to aggressive chemicals and is safe for health.
Previously, craftsmen who understood the need for perforation in the material of filing the overhangs, tried to make it with their own hands, drilling holes in the siding panels, however, this finish looked inaccurate and "handicraft."
The need for perforation in finishing the overhangs
The overhang is a section of the roof slope protruding 50-80 cm beyond the perimeter of the structure; it serves to protect the wall surface from moisture ingress. The outer part of the overhang covers the roofing material, protecting it from getting wet, and the lower part without filing the spotlights remains vulnerable. However, it is impossible to close up the overhang tightly, as this will disrupt the natural circulation of air inside the roofing room. This is especially true for insulated heated attic, in which it is not possible to install dormer windows.
Air circulation in the attic occurs according to the laws of convection, that is, warmer air rises to the top, freeing up space for cold air. Without normal ventilation, condensation accumulates in the thickness of the roofing cake, leading to decay, mold and destruction of the truss system. To avoid such problems, the overhang is hemmed using perforated spotlights, through which fresh atmospheric air penetrates into the attic, and aerators are mounted on the roof.
Perforation of soffit
Soffits for the roof constitute a panel of varying degrees of perforation with a lock, which is used for mounting. The standard length of such products is about 3 m, and the width varies, depending on the manufacturer, within the range of 20-30 cm. Soffit models of the following types are produced:
- With full perforation. These are panels with fully perforated surface. Most often they are used to decorate the overhang of roofs from non-profiled materials - shinglas, soft or bitumen tiles. With the help of fully perforated soffits, the pediment cornice is not sheathed, since water penetrates the wooden frame.
- With partial perforation. Partially perforated soffits are panels in which solid and stripes with holes alternate. They overhang the overhang, if the attic is not heated and forced ventilation is not needed. Such a finish permits air, but does not increase heat loss.
- Solid. These are panels without perforation, with the help of which they install the spotlights on the roof eaves. They are also used as decoration for arbor ceilings, awnings, terraces and porches.
To choose the right soffits, it is necessary to consult an experienced roofer, so only a professional master can calculate the correct degree of perforation of the panels corresponding to a specific ventilation system that will ensure air flow through the overhang to the attic or attic.
Materials
The plastic view of the soffit is a panel of PVC, equipped with a lock and perforation. This is the cheapest material that can be found to hem the overhang. Diverse painted models are selected to the color of the facades or roofing material. In order not to violate the integrity of the look, siding of the overhang and the eaves is supplied with siding of the same shade for finishing the pediment. The most popular soffit plastic cinnamon color, which is in harmony with the roof of the traditional dark shades in Russia.
Metal soffit panels are made of steel, aluminum and copper. However, the common problem with more affordable steel and aluminum panels is that they are susceptible to corrosion to varying degrees. If galvanized steel enters oxidation reactions only when the external coating is damaged, then aluminum can be protected from water only with the help of a special compound. The oxidized copper spotlights have no problems with corrosion, however, not everyone can afford the installation of such expensive fittings.
Mounting methods
The lining of the overhangs begins after the completion of the main work on the installation of the roof, when the slopes and walls of the attic have been insulated. It is more convenient to mount the spotlights before installing the roof ebb so that nothing interferes. In this process, there is nothing difficult, so you can, slowly, take up the job with your own hands. Filing of overhangs is performed in two different ways:
- Diagonal. According to this technique, the profile for mounting the spotlights is fixed directly on the rafter legs or fillies so that they are arranged at an angle to the plane of the walls. This option is only suitable for flat roofs of a small area with a slope of up to 25 degrees. Skilled builders rarely use this method because installing spotlights at an angle takes more time due to the inconvenience of work.
- Horizontal. Horizontal filing technology provides for the installation of a wooden frame on the overhang. To build it, from the connection of the rafter foot with the power plate, the bar is lowered down and, with the help of another board, is connected to the eaves board. After that, a frontal plank is set along the edge of the overhang, and a groove profile along the wall. Start trim from any corner of the house, fixing the starting bar, which is inserted into the first panel. It turns out that the filing of the overhang is located perpendicular to the wall surface and is much easier to assemble.
Filing is a painstaking process, the main thing in which accuracy and accuracy of measurements. Qualitatively installed spotlights will protect the overhang from moisture, mold, insects and birds, while not limiting the access of fresh air to the roofing room.