01-13-2010, 10:41 PM
Hmmmm.... never ever even thought of using aluminum or vinyl in the soffits. I had planned on using Hardiboard since the inception. Guess I am used to just getting what they sell at the HD, and what I've done before or seen done. The aluminum and vinyl would have been much lighter! Doh! 
They do make a Hardiplank soffit with the vent holes already in it, and that is what we bought for the lower soffits where the ventilation is needed. I've got seven pieces, 12 foot long, at a whopping $22 each!
The soffits on the rakes under the gables are blocked from the attic by the verge/barge rafters (can't remember what is what) so no need for ventilation in the ones already installed as in the photos.
I am planning on an access hatch into the attic, right underneath the fan location, but just a little away from the center of the room so as not to interfere with the layout lighting. I'll box it in with 2x6s and then put some trim around it and cut a square piece of masonite to fit the hole.
Ditto on your suggestions of a receptacle and light in the attic. Even though the attic is only 4.5 feet tall at the peak, never know when a person will need to get up there. As an electrician, I pretty much go overkill on the electrical.... for example, our house has seperately switched receptacles every 25 feet under the eaves and about 20 inches above the ground in the brick for Christmas lights. The switch is by the front door, so it's easy to turn the lights on and off.
And.... I am seriously considering doing the electrical in thinwall conduit.... just for the fun of it!
They do make a Hardiplank soffit with the vent holes already in it, and that is what we bought for the lower soffits where the ventilation is needed. I've got seven pieces, 12 foot long, at a whopping $22 each!
The soffits on the rakes under the gables are blocked from the attic by the verge/barge rafters (can't remember what is what) so no need for ventilation in the ones already installed as in the photos. I am planning on an access hatch into the attic, right underneath the fan location, but just a little away from the center of the room so as not to interfere with the layout lighting. I'll box it in with 2x6s and then put some trim around it and cut a square piece of masonite to fit the hole.
Ditto on your suggestions of a receptacle and light in the attic. Even though the attic is only 4.5 feet tall at the peak, never know when a person will need to get up there. As an electrician, I pretty much go overkill on the electrical.... for example, our house has seperately switched receptacles every 25 feet under the eaves and about 20 inches above the ground in the brick for Christmas lights. The switch is by the front door, so it's easy to turn the lights on and off.
And.... I am seriously considering doing the electrical in thinwall conduit.... just for the fun of it!
Three Foot Rule In Effect At All Times