using soffit for my ceiling

[jlscjs]

I want to use soffit for a garage ceiling. The area Im covering is about 12ft wide and 24ft long, it is a carport that has been turned into a little garage. They used 2x4 spanning the 12ft width, kind of a fake ceiling. Can I run the 12ft long soffit nailing it into the 2x4 spaced every 2ft on center. So basically I would have 4 nails every 8 feet, is this enough to hold up the soffit without fear of it bowing between the studs, or do I need to run strips of 1x4 to close the gap?

 

[jack stand]

I'd buy some white "barn metal", it will span that very nicely and should save you about .25$ s/f. Yes you might see some "sagging" with a basic vinyl soffit panel, there are some out there that would work fine but it's "pricey". The vinyl also seem's to grab and hold on to dust & airborn dirt more than the smooth painted metal does.

 

[jlscjs]

I googled barn metal or siding in lowes but can't find it, are you talking about metal roofing?

 

[Hidden Rock Ridge]

Your local building supply should have "Liner Panel". It is the same as steel roofing/siding for pole barns, except a lighter gauge. That translates to less weight and less cost. The big box stores are likely going to look at you sideways if you ask them, but any lumber yard worth their salt can get it. Hope this helps.

 

[jack stand]

I googled barn metal or siding in lowes but can't find it, are you talking about metal roofing?

Yes, you might have to order it for white. Most Lowes & HD that I've seen have red & green only, and like "HiddenRock" said, if you can find a "liner panel", even better (cheaper).

 

[firebirdparts]

I have a big area of soffit supported like that. I think you will be okay with 2 feet. Mine is about 18 inches between attachments and it has done great. You can't let the insulation bear on it with any weight at all.

I wonder if there is a manufacturer's real recommended number.

 

[6768rogues]

If you are running the soffit perpendicular to the joists most vinyl soffit is ok with attachment every two feet. I would put furring strips on across the joists and run the soffit in the short direction, so one panel does the whole width.