Soffit – a soffit is the roof element that can be used to finish the roof eaves in an aesthetic manner. Despite the fact that it is not a mandatory part of the roof, an increasing number of people decide to use soffits in their roofs. One of the materials used for the production of soffits is aluminium. Let’s see the essential properties of aluminium soffits, the installation method as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Aluminium soffits – key information
Aluminium soffits are a special type of metal soffits. The aluminium sheet is covered with a special polyester, polyamide or anode-oxide protective coating. Aluminium soffits come in smooth and perforated versions. Perforated versions are additionally equipped with special vents. They make it possible to maintain airflow and to keep the roof ventilated. It is recommended to use one perforated soffit per two smooth ones.
Aluminium soffits are available in standardised dimensions, but their length may vary. The longest ALU soffits can reach 6 m. Their thickness is 0.6 mm. Their widths can be as follows:
- 100 mm,
- 150 mm,
- 200 mm,
- 300 mm.
The aluminium panels in soffits are fixed with a latch in specially prepared mounting rails. These rails are made of properly profiled and galvanised steel sheets. The distance between the rails cannot be more than 1 m. The aluminium is also used for making edging strips, angles and decorative strips.
Aluminium soffits – advantages
Aluminium soffits have many strengths. The most important advantages of aluminium roof soffits include:
- the lightness of design,
- this type of soffit is characterised by high durability and long life, thanks to which it usually features a long warranty
- ALU soffits are relatively easy to install,
- since they are covered with a suitable protective layer, they do not require additional maintenance and are not exposed to corrosion,
- they are resistant to various types of weather conditions, even the most adverse ones,
- the big advantage of aluminium soffits is also the stability of their dimensions, so that it is easy to plan such a structure,
- the colour will not fade over time, which means they can be a finishing element for many years,
- aluminium soffits are characterised by high stiffness.
Aluminium soffits – disadvantages
Like every construction solution, aluminium soffits have not only advantages, but also some disadvantages. These include mainly:
- potentially lower aesthetic value compared to wooden or PVC soffits,
- aluminium can be vulnerable to bending – it is more flexible than steel sheet, wood and plastics,
- rather high price – aluminium sheet soffits are more expensive than those made of steel sheet, as aluminium is a material more expensive than steel.
