Metal soffits: types, pros and cons

Cornice overhang - an indispensable part of the construction of the roofing "pie". In fact, it is a ledge that goes beyond the level of the wall of the house. Its upper part is a continuation of the roof finish, and the back side, facing down, needs a special design. For this purpose, the cladding is made of different materials. The most practical solution is metallic spotlights, which provide a reliable mechanical fence, and also facilitate the passage of air under the roof.

Classifications of metal soffits

From the point of view of structural design, one-, two- and three-strip panels are distinguished. The choice of one of these options should be based on the requirements for mechanical stability of the skin. The strength is also affected by the presence of perforation. Traditional solid panels do not provide the possibility of ventilation, so they are more often used in open roof structures. Examples of such objects include verandas and gazebos. For the house it is preferable to use soffit metal perforated, which is intended just for closing eaves in full residential buildings. The corrugation provides a loose fit to the overhang material, which creates conditions for the circulation of air currents.

In addition, perforated soffits are also advantageous because of their high strength. The same corrugation acts as a kind of stiffening ribs, preventing excessive folds. Also common is a combined panel in which a partial perforation is realized . This is a universal option, which is suitable for small household buildings, and for roofing cottages and traditional private houses.

Models of galvanized steel

This type of soffit is represented by flat steel sheets made of roofing alloy. They are also a technological component in the arrangement of ventilation ducts, and are also successfully used as a protective element of the roof. The usual profiled sheeting is associated with an unsightly look, which does not contribute any stylistic variety to the facade. However, metal siding-soffit, made of galvanized steel, is on the market with different color coating options. It is important to distinguish between processing materials, because, in addition to the aesthetic effect, it must also provide protective functions, including anticorrosion.

Experts recommend buying such panels with coatings on a polyester basis. Profiled trapezoidal sheets with a corrugation height of up to 20 mm are also available. But in any case it's important to remember that the strength has become good during the operation on site. During the installation, pruning and processing the material at home is problematic, so it is necessary to initially agree on the appropriate services with a roofer, which will refine the material qualitatively.

Aluminum spotlights

The aluminum panels do not provide processing problems, as is the case with steel. It is flexible and pliable material, but, again, these qualities will pass and the roofing structure after installation. Compensates for the mechanical weakness of aluminum by applying protective films. In particular, polyester, anodized and polyamide casings are used, due to which the metal resistance to weathering increases. Also spotlights are metal on an aluminum base available in perforated modifications. This metal, of course, in many technical indicators, loses the steel, but it costs less, causes less trouble in installation and weighs less.

Pros of metal soffits

If we compare the general group of metal binder variants with alternative solutions, then the list of advantages will be such qualities as strength, reliability, environmental safety and durability. As for the reliability characteristic, in this regard, the best choice will be steel with a polymer treatment. Copper also has its advantages as a durable material, which, unlike steel, does not need additional anti-corrosion treatment. If you want light metal spotlights for filing roofing, then the choice should be made in favor of aluminum. It is believed that the metal loses to wood and plastics because of its high weight, but just this material can be a compromise choice in terms of optimizing the weight of the structure.

Minuses of spotlights made of metal

By and large, modern metal panels for covering the under-roof space do a good job with all the operational requirements that are imposed on this part of the roof. The disadvantages are rather due to the increase in the characteristics of vinyl, wooden and polyvinylchloride spotlights. Against this background, both steel and even lightweight and available in processing aluminum seem less practical. Mainly metallic spotlights focus on providing protective properties, but at the same time noticeably lose in the flexibility of installation operations. And this is not to mention the cost of galvanized steel and aluminum with film coatings. Often, such panels are at times more expensive than a conventional wooden paneling.

How to choose the best type of spotlights?

Nevertheless, the repulsion follows from the characteristics of the target object. Some advantages can be expressed when installing panels in the roofing systems of large cottages, and others - in the architectural composition of summer pavilions. In the first case, properties that the metal soffits have for steel roofing, and in the second - copper panels, will come in handy. This separation is due to the technical and protective and aesthetic qualities of the materials, respectively.

Ways of mounting the skin

Installation panels can be carried out in three ways. Two basic ones provide that the overhang itself will occupy a strictly horizontal position. The traditional scheme is realized by fixing the spotlights to the lower belt of the rafters in a perpendicular position relative to the wall of the house. An alternative option assumes that the metal spotlights will be fixed at an angle relative to the outer wall, while repeating the position of the slope itself. Direct fixing is carried out using profiled mounting rails, which are also made of metal. The gaps between the fastening profiles should not be more than 1 m. Fixation is made along the entire length to a special lock.

Conclusion

Soffits are ordinary accessories for roofing. Despite the unobtrusive function, this element is very important for the roof. Firstly, thanks to the skin panels, the inner space of the roof is physically protected. Secondly, metal soffits with deep perforations contribute to efficient air circulation. This is important for maintaining the optimal microclimate in the under-roof niche. Of course, it is not always appropriate to use metal for cladding, but for the totality of technical and operational qualities it is he who is the best choice.