Canless wafers in vinyl soffit

[johnfluevogs]

I am installing some canless wafers in a vinyl soffit. Curious if anyone has any clever solutions for the gaping holes left by the ribs in the vinyl soffit...see picture.

 

[LarryFine]

Some white exterior caulk. You may need to fine-tune the shape with a wet plastic spoon as it cures.

 

[kwired]

I agree with the white caulk. My question is will the vinyl be able to handle the weight of the unit over time? If fastened to a framing member rather close it maybe will or if you have some kind of backing material to help support it it probably fine.

 

[LarryFine]

You might consider asking the soffit manufacturer if they make something for this.

 

[letgomywago]

Maybe a square shaped goof ring if that's available

 

[ptonsparky]

Is someone complaining?

 

[retirede]

Is someone complaining?

Good question. Aesthetically, it looks the same from the ground as a can light. I see no reason to do anything.

 

[infinity]

You can fill in the gap with some high density self stick foam. Just cut it the shape of the round fixture.

https://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Density-Stripping-Neoprene-Insulation/dp/B08DS7MR5K?th=1

 

[johnfluevogs]

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[LarryFine]

How about the right diameter of foam backer rod? You might have to paint it if you can't find white.

 

[kwired]

How about the right diameter of foam backer rod? You might have to paint it if you can't find white.

I like that idea over using something that will adhere the luminaire into place and make it difficult to remove if needed.

 

[PaulMmn]

You need to plug the holes-- all sorts of insects and critters will find the soffit an inviting winter refuge and summer nesting spot!

 

[ptonsparky]

You need to plug the holes-- all sorts of insects and critters will find the soffit an inviting winter refuge and summer nesting spot!

You are dreaming big time if you think plugging those holes will stop either.

 

[PaulMmn]

You are dreaming big time if you think plugging those holes will stop either.

You don't have to make it easy for them!

 

[AC\DC]

You don't have to make it easy for them!

?? There millions of tiny holes in that soffit, large one won't make a difference

 

[wwhitney]

?? There millions of tiny holes in that soffit, large one won't make a difference

There are plenty of insects that would be desirable to exclude that won't fit through the tiny holes, but would fit through holes left at the ribs in the OP. Sealing that channel is a no-brainer to me.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[ptonsparky]

There are plenty of insects that would be desirable to exclude that won't fit through the tiny holes, but would fit through holes left at the ribs in the OP. Sealing that channel is a no-brainer to me.

Cheers, Wayne

Make sure you seal at channel ends and...

 

[AC\DC]

I would caulk it, take a second but the soffit not bug proof. Around here it would stop bats and that’s it

 

[kwired]

There are plenty of insects that would be desirable to exclude that won't fit through the tiny holes, but would fit through holes left at the ribs in the OP. Sealing that channel is a no-brainer to me.

Cheers, Wayne

The hole at the canless luminaire is minimal if the cut was for a tight fit. The gaps at the ends of the panel that are hidden by J trims and such are larger, but you can't seal them as the ends need to be able to move as the panel expands/contracts with temperature changes.

 

[infinity]

Depending on how tight the hole is and the design of the wafer you may not need anything. These halo ones close the hole fairly tightly.