installing motion sensor light in soffit

[Cobra6]

I did not tell my builder to put mounts for motion sensor security lights in the soffits on the corners - so I am going to add them.

My main question is - How do I get these soffit panels out so I can mount a support for the light.
I thought these panels popped out, but they seem to be in there pretty tight.
Do I have to peel back the fascia to get these out? Looks like they might be nailed in. (pic below)

Thanks

 

[IHI]

I did not tell my builder to put mounts for motion sensor security lights in the soffits on the corners - so I am going to add them.

My main question is - How do I get these soffit panels out so I can mount a support for the light.
I thought these panels popped out, but they seem to be in there pretty tight.
Do I have to peel back the fascia to get these out? Looks like they might be nailed in. (pic below)

Thanks

You might be able to lightly bend the lower L part of the fascia to gain access to pop soffit out.

You could try to bend the lower L part of the fascia and run a utility knife along that inside bend, then bend back and forth to snap a section off/out and then bend a new L piece of aluminum to slip up under the existing fascia and nail back in through bottom.

Could use a nail punch and drive the current nails holding the fasica to the board thru, and then remove that piece. Do your work and bend a new piece of aluminum fasica to put back in place...knowing the new stuff will be clean/shiney and wont match existing. Just about anytime we did this kind of work I'd bend all new for the entire length so it all looked new again.

The soffit will be attached with either staples, nails, or screws..you wont know until you expose the ends of them at the fasia board where they are attached. It looks like vinyl soffit in the picture, and if so it has the typical hook like vinyl siding has onto the adjoining piece...you just slid it back to unlock it and remove the panel, really nothing to it.

 

[jshillin]

It fastens together just like siding. You can usually push down on a piece and disconnect it. If you have trouble, you can buy a siding removal tool from Lowe's for a couple bucks to help you.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Easier than all that is to poke a small wire up through the vent holes to locate the side of a rafter. Cut a hole for the proper type electrical box. Insert box and screw from inside the box to the side of the rafter after running wire to the location. Mount and wire light. I have had to do this several times through the years, and this was the easiest method I discovered. In fact, I have two to do now on my present building, and this method is what I will use.

 

[Cobra6]

Easier than all that is to poke a small wire up through the vent holes to locate the side of a rafter. Cut a hole for the proper type electrical box. Insert box and screw from inside the box to the side of the rafter after running wire to the location. Mount and wire light. I have had to do this several times through the years, and this was the easiest method I discovered. In fact, I have two to do now on my present building, and this method is what I will use.

I actually was thinking about shining a light from inside at night to see if I could locate a rafter, but I am thinking that one will be too far back from the corner to use.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Easier than all that is to poke a small wire up through the vent holes to locate the side of a rafter. Cut a hole for the proper type electrical box. Insert box and screw from inside the box to the side of the rafter after running wire to the location. Mount and wire light. I have had to do this several times through the years, and this was the easiest method I discovered. In fact, I have two to do now on my present building, and this method is what I will use.

This sounds like a good idea. I wouldn't worry about finding a rafter but screw to the fascia board.

I've repaired lots of soffit and fascia and I will cut the heads of the aluminum nails off and carefully pull the fascia off. Then figure out the method of soffit attachment and remove as necesary. When re-installing the fascia I'll use painted screws in the same nail holes as previous used.

Richard

 

[OccupantRJ]

I actually was thinking about shining a light from inside at night to see if I could locate a rafter, but I am thinking that one will be too far back from the corner to use.

Think about it. Something is on the corner, or there would not be a corner. I probably should have used the term rafter tails. To get further from the end of the building, a block can be attached to the rafter tail first before mounting the box. This will place it more under the overhang, relative to the end of the soffit. The last rafter tail will put the center of the box about 3 inches or so from the end of the building roof corner.

 

[Cobra6]

Think about it. Something is on the corner, or there would not be a corner. I probably should have used the term rafter tails. To get further from the end of the building, a block can be attached to the rafter tail first before mounting the box. This will place it more under the overhang, relative to the end of the soffit. The last rafter tail will put the center of the block about 3 inches or so from the end of the building roof corner.

Thanks - I'm tracking now

 

[Djstorm100]

I'm bumping this because I want to get some motion activated lighting but the ones I've seen at lowes are only good for mounting it on side of a exterior wall. Could someone point me in the right direction for the soffit mounted lights?

 

[Todd.Brock]

When I installed a light in my soffit it was just a regular motion sensing floodlight. I don't think it knows the difference if it's screwed onto the wall or to the soffit. I pulled the trim down installed a junction box and then screwed the light to the junction box after I drilled a 4 inch hole in the soffit

 

[Djstorm100]

Right it won't know but I don't see how these would be installed in such a way to work http://www.lowes.com/pd_458902-8553...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

 

[Todd.Brock]

That is the type of light I installed. The motion sensor swiveled down and the lights could be rotated. Look at it in person. If that one doesn't , you can find one that does. I bought mine from HD , just s cheapie whatever brand. Worked great for years

 

[Djstorm100]

Thanks Todd!

 

[onewheat]

I have a few of these on both of my houses - not inexpensive, but I love them. They are soffit mounted. If the link doesn't go the the page (Lowe's links are sketchy), the item number is 161409.

Utilitech 360-Degree 3-Head Dual Detection Zone White LED Motion-Activated Flood Light with Timer

 

[XS29L9B]

When I installed a light in my soffit it was just a regular motion sensing floodlight. I don't think it knows the difference if it's screwed onto the wall or to the soffit. I pulled the trim down installed a junction box and then screwed the light to the junction box after I drilled a 4 inch hole in the soffit

Correct - I have the same lights in my soffit, and on my exterior walls. Makes no difference.

For the soffit though, mine used 3/8 plywood, and I drilled the hole for the 4" box, installed, then wired the lights. Easy.

 

[XS29L9B]

pic of light - same as I have on my walls:


Over the years, I've replaced a few of these lights, as they will become "defective" and no longer illuminate. But at ~$20/set, it's not a big deal to replace every 7-10 years.