Replacing a soffit: What You Need to Know About Soffit and Fascia Repair

What You Need to Know About Soffit and Fascia Repair

What You Need to Know About Soffit and Fascia Repair

Updated July 13, 2023

Photo: tamas / Adobe Stock

Highlights

• The most common soffit issues include pest infestations, moisture damage, and dry rot.

• Most fascia boards are wood, which can decay over time.

• On average, soffit and fascia repairs cost between $6 and $20 per linear foot.

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A roof is actually pretty complex, with a variety of parts and components that work together to increase ventilation, provide protection, and improve the overall aesthetics of your home. 

Two often misunderstood roofing components are the soffit and the fascia. And while both are vital parts of your home, they can contribute to some common roofing problems which may need professional repair.

What Is the Soffit and How Does It Work?

The word soffit derives from the French word for “formed as a ceiling” and the Latin term for “to fix underneath.” The soffit can refer to the horizontal underside of an archway, a staircase, or a ceiling, but it typically refers to an exposed surface beneath the hanging section of a roof eave. 

Part of the soffit’s function is to help ventilate the attic. The soffit typically features a plain design with small holes that provide air circulation. The air from the soffit cycles to the vents to draw heat and moisture away from the house. This is a highly important function because moisture in the attic can cause rot in the sheathing and rafters.

Vinyl is the most popular material for soffits, as it minimizes degradation that comes from heat and moisture exposure. This is especially important considering that the soffit can be easily exposed to moisture due to unkempt gutters and wet weather conditions.

If you’re looking to build a new home, choose a soffit with vinyl as its primary material. Vinyl is both water-resistant and cost-effective and can save you energy because it is highly efficient when it comes to regulating a home’s temperature.

Common Soffit Issues

As important as it is, the soffit can fall victim to a number of issues. Tackle them by hiring a soffit repair professional or by putting on your DIY hat. 

Improper Installation

Soffits can be tricky to install, and an improper installation could lead to a host of serious problems. If the soffits have been incorrectly placed, they could be vulnerable to wind damage and related weather conditions. If the soffits are too close together, they may not properly ventilate your home.

A reputable roof inspector can conduct a roof inspection and give the soffits a good look to see if they have been properly installed.

Animal and Insect Intrusions

Birds, small rodents, bees, wasps, and a variety of other unwelcome guests can make their home in the spaces between the eaves. These same pests can use the soffits to gain access to the attic.

Conduct a spot check in your attic for tell-tale signs of an infestation and look at the soffits themselves. Are they spaced properly? Are there small holes or cracks that insects could make a home in? Seal up any holes or cracks with caulk or mesh and contact a professional exterminator near you if needed.

Moisture Damage

Soffits can experience moisture damage, as they are typically located next to the gutters. Wooden soffits are especially vulnerable, which is one of the primary reasons modern consumers tend to go with vinyl soffits. 

You can prevent water damage by making it a point to clean the soffits when you clean the gutters. If you notice some telltale signs of moisture damage, such as blisters and cracks, repaint them as soon as possible. If the water damage has compromised the structural integrity of the soffits, you may need to contact a qualified pro.

Dry Rot

Contrary to popular belief, dry rot is not actually caused by an abundance of moisture damage, but by certain types of fungus that thrive on wood fiber. Dry rot typically starts on wood siding but can easily spread to the soffit. 

Check for dry rot by grabbing a large screwdriver or similar tool and tapping the soffit gently but firmly. If pieces immediately fall out, you likely have dry rot and should contact a professional to replace the soffit.

What Is the Fascia?

Photo: kuchina / Adobe Stock

The fascia is a vertical finishing edge connected to the area where the gutter attaches to the roof, though it can also be found connected to the rafters or trusses. The fascia’s primary role is to act as a layer between the roof’s edge and the outdoors, and it’s meant to protect the wooden board from water damage.

Aside from its functional role, the fascia also plays a very important aesthetic role, creating a smoother, more even appearance for the roof’s edge. In addition to protecting the wooden board from water damage, the fascia protects the entire roof and the house’s interior from weather damage by blocking water from the home. Most homes feature a fascia board, but some older home styles lack this component.

Common Fascia Board Issues

Just like its soffit cousin, the fascia board can experience a wide range of issues that may need repair.

Decaying Wood

Most fascia boards are wood, and this wood can decay over time. Protect your wooden boards from decay by regularly painting them with a high-grade primer and covering up any obvious cracks and holes. You can also consider a fascia cap, otherwise known as fascia trim, which is a durable covering placed around the fascia board made from aluminum and other hearty materials. 

Fascia Board Replacement

If a fascia board experiences significant decay, you may have to replace it. Fortunately, this is a fairly straightforward process and considered part of normal roof maintenance. You can also learn how to replace fascia boards yourself, even if you don’t know how to replace a roof, to save some money on labor fees. Replacement typically entails removing the old board and putting in a new one that has been cut to length. After you have installed the replacement fascia board, seal the joints and paint it. 

But there are a number of considerations when choosing the right fascia board for your home. Make sure you pick the best wood for your climate. When in doubt, cedar heartwood and cypress are good options for most environments. You should also opt for fascia boards with grain structures that are resistant to splitting, twisting, warping, and bowing. 

The type of nails you use will also impact the longevity of a fascia board. Your best bet will be either stainless steel or old-fashioned, hot-dipped galvanized nails, as each nail type is incredibly durable.

Who Repairs Soffit and Fascia? 

If you notice signs that your soffit and fascia materials are damaged or degrading, the good news is that they can often be fixed without the need for a full roof replacement or knowing how to install metal roofing or other roofing materials.

You can learn how to repair the soffit and fascia yourself. Just make sure to take proper precautions to complete the job safely. If you’re not well versed in roof repair, it may be time to call in a professional. Most roofing companies can repair or replace soffit and fascia materials; get a few quotes to make sure you’re getting a good price and hiring a local roof repair company you’re comfortable with.  

How Much Does Soffit and Fascia Repair Cost? 

Soffit and fascia repairs likely won’t be as much as a full roof replacement cost, and they can extend the life of your roof, so it’s a good idea to get a few estimates. On average, soffit and fascia repair costs between $6 and $20 per linear foot and depends on the material you choose, the cost of labor, the presence of insects and pests, and the eave configuration.

If you’re replacing the soffit and fascia as part of a full roof replacement, the final number will depend on the size and shape of the roof and the material you use, since asphalt, slate, composite, and metal roof cost differs.

Lawrence Bonk contributed to this piece.

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Learn more about our contributor

Stephanie Mickelson is a freelance writer covering home improvement, real estate, design, and personal finance. Before beginning her freelance career, she worked in residential construction, specifically remodeling kitchens, installing cabinets, flooring, countertops, trim, and more.

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When to Replace, Cost, & Guide (2023)

Do you know the difference between soffits and fascia? If you haven’t heard of soffits and fascia, you better check to make sure they don’t need to be replaced. Damage to your home’s soffits and fascia can have devastating effects on your home. This article will explain what soffits and fascia are, why you should replace them, and how much it costs.

What are Soffits and Fascia?

Unless you have had to deal with a leaky roof, there is a good chance that you have never heard of the soffit or the fascia. Soffits are located on the underside of your roof and are the exposed siding found beneath your roof’s eaves. The soffit is typically the same design and color as your home’s siding, but it may differ according to the tastes of every homeowner.

On the other hand, the fascia board is the siding directly above the soffit. While it can be hard to see the soffit, you can usually see the fascia because it is the exposed board on the front of your roof’s overhang and the spot where your gutters are placed.

Why are Soffit and Fascia Important?

Both soffit and fascia serve valuable functional and aesthetic purposes. The soffit is important because it enables steady airflow between your home’s roof and attic. A well-ventilated attic, in turn, prevents the build-up of moisture and possible mold. Additionally, soffits help keep animals and insects out of your house.

The fascia is important because it’s the last line of support for your roof’s bottom row of tiles or shingles. Also, because gutters are installed on it, the fascia needs to be strong enough to withstand heavy rain. There is a cost to installing and replacing gutters, so it is best to have a sturdy fascia. Finally, the fascia is seen by everyone on the street, so it is essential that it looks good to maximize your home’s curb appeal.

When You Should Replace or Repair Soffit and Fascia

Here are a few signs to look out for that may indicate that your soffit and fascia need to be replaced or repaired:

Cracks and Flaking Paint

Because cracks not only look bad but also enable leaking, you should immediately remove and repair damaged pieces of your soffit and fascia when you see cracking and flaking paint.

Evidence of Animals and Insects

Soffits and fascia are meant to keep bugs and rodents out of your roof and attic. If you notice an infestation coming from your roof, you may need to do some roof repair before calling the exterminator.

Suspected Asbestos

Asbestos is very dangerous to your health. If you suspect that asbestos was used in your soffit or fascia, you should look into replacing them.

Leaking Water

Water can lead to rotting, mold, and other costly damage. If it looks like water is getting through your soffit and fascia, you should consider repairing or replacing them.

Lack of Ventilation

Because one of the primary purposes of soffits and fascia is the ventilation they provide to attics, you should repair or replace these parts if you notice a lack of ventilation in the upper parts of your home.

Why You Should Replace or Repair Soffit and Fascia

While all homes need to have functioning soffits and fascia, these parts of your home are especially important if you live in a wet and windy climate or you live in an older home. To prevent water, moisture, and animals from entering your home, you should consider checking to see whether your soffit and facia need to be replaced or repaired.

If you need to replace or repair your soffits and fascia, you should consider hiring a professional to do the work. When choosing a roofer, several important factors must be considered. But as far as professional roofers go, Aspen Contracting, the best overall roofing company, will happily come to the rescue. Indeed, there are undoubtedly many advantages that come with using a reputable roofing company.

How Much to Replace Soffit and Fascia?

On average, it costs between $6 and $20 per linear foot to install or repair fascia and soffits. However, the cost per linear foot will change depending on the material used. Common materials include vinyl, aluminum, wood, and composite.

How Much to Paint Soffit and Fascia?

In total, the average cost for painting a fascia board is between $500 and $1000.

Cost to Repair and Replace Soffit and Fascia by Material Type

The costs of replacing or repairing soffits and fascia are variable. This list provides an average cost for different materials:

Vinyl Soffit and Fascia Cost

Vinyl Soffit

Vinyl soffits are an excellent choice if you don’t want to spend much money on maintenance. In general, vinyl soffits don’t need to be painted, so they are not prone to peeling and fading. They can cost between $6 and $10 per linear foot.

Vinyl Fascia

Vinyl is one of the most popular types of roofing material used to make fascia boards and requires minimal maintenance. Unlike other materials, vinyl is less susceptible to rot and water damage. Fascia boards made out of vinyl cost between $5 and $9 per linear foot.

Aluminum Soffit and Fascia Cost

Aluminum Soffit

Aluminum soffits are durable and require less maintenance than soffits made of other materials. The average price per linear foot of fascia boards is $8 to $20.

Aluminum Fascia

Aluminum fascia boards are similarly long-lasting and require less maintenance than fascia boards made up of other materials. However, they are pricier and harder to install, ranging from $8 to $20 per linear foot.

Wood Soffit and Fascia Cost

Wood Soffit

Wood soffits are often cheaper than other types but require more upkeep. You also risk developing mold or rot, so soffit repair is more common. These soffits average between $6 and $10 per linear foot.

Wood Fascia

Wood fascia boards are the most popular because they are also the most cost-effective of fascia boards. But you should beware that wood facia deteriorates and require more upkeep than boards made of other materials. The average price for wood fascia boards is between $1 and $3 per linear foot.

Composite Soffit and Fascia Cost

Composite Soffit

Composite soffits are another option that can withstand more wear and tear. They can cost between $8 and $20 per linear foot.

Composite Fascia

Composite fascia boards are durable and require less maintenance. These fascia boards can cost anywhere between $1 and $8 per linear foot.

Soffit and Fascia Install and Labor Costs

The labor cost for fascia installation ranges from $6 to $20 per linear foot, and the labor cost for soffit installation can be between $1 and $3 per linear foot. This difference in cost reflects the differing complexity involved in removing and installing these unique parts of your home. Of course, when using more expensive materials, your total cost of installing soffits and fascia will increase.

Final Thoughts

This article has explained the difference between soffits and fascia, why they are important, and the costs of repairing and replacing them. Remember, don’t hesitate if you think your soffit and fascia need to be repaired! By acting fast, you can save yourself expensive damage and help preserve the aesthetic beauty of your home’s exterior.

Elisabeth Beauchamp

Senior Staff Writer

Elisabeth Beauchamp is a content producer for Today’s Homeowner’s Lawn and Windows categories. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Journalism and Linguistics. When Elisabeth isn’t writing about flowers, foliage, and fertilizer, she’s researching landscaping trends and current events in the agricultural space. Elisabeth aims to educate and equip readers with the tools they need to create a home they love.

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Lora Novak

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Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.

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How to replace a bulb in a spotlight

In order to properly replace a bulb in a spotlight in a suspended or stretch ceiling, you do not need to resort to the help of specialists.

The process itself is quite simple and will not cause you insurmountable difficulties. It is enough to know the basic principles of installing such lamps.

Note, however, that not all lamps in spotlights have the same type of mounting. Therefore, when choosing a new copy instead of a burnt one, pay attention to the type of base.

Here are some varieties of individual models:

For lamps with threaded base, as with conventional standard ones, there are no secrets of replacement. They are removed by twisting-twisting. But other types are more popular in suspended and stretch ceilings.

Light bulbs with two pins that are fixed after a click – GU 5.3, MR16

There are models that are fixed when rotated around the axis by 90 degrees – GU10.

Type GX 53 or tablet:

Consider the process of replacing all of these lamps.

Replacement lamps MR16, GU5.3

Luminaires in suspended ceilings have two main parts:

• functional

• decorative

Functional means frame and clips. The process of replacing the lamp itself takes 4 steps step by step:

• power off

First of all, it is necessary to de-energize the room in which the replacement will be carried out. To do this, turn off the machine on the lighting circuit of the room in which the lamp is located.

Of course, you can simply turn off the switch itself to the light bulb, but if you are far from electricity, you may not know that often (by mistake of the installers), these same switches do not break the phase, but zero.

The phase wire continues to be energized on the wires and contacts, even after the light is turned off. Therefore, in order not to risk, it is better to do all the shutdowns in your electrical panel.

• removal of the old lamp

Remove the main retaining ring, which acts as a retainer. To do this, squeeze two antennae

and the light bulb itself will fall out of the housing, hanging on the contact cartridge.

After that, easily pull it out of the contacts by pulling it towards you (MR16) or turning it counterclockwise (GU10).

• new lamp installation

Before installing a new one, be sure to check the power and voltage data on the old bulb. For example, for products of the same shape, the supply voltage may not be 220V, but 12V.

And the power must match or at least not exceed the previous one. Otherwise, the luminaire may overheat or overload the power supply (if provided).

If everything matches, plug the connectors of the new light bulb into the sockets of the socket.

• all that is left is to install it in the old place and fix it

Locking takes place using the same circlip. To do this, again squeeze his ears, insert into the grooves and release.

Bulb fixed, light can be turned on. There are models without retaining rings. In this case, you will have to remove the entire lamp from the false ceiling.

How to do this will be discussed below.

Some people sometimes have problems with the mounting steel band. For some reason, he does not want to hold on and constantly falls out.

This is due to the fact that the lamp did not sit in the lamp in its place. Accordingly, the grooves for the ring are closed by the body itself.

There may be several reasons:

• deformation of the luminaire body by springs

• the springs are not the correct size and rest strongly against the housing

Often this happens during the mass replacement of several light bulbs, when the rings are confused and then installed on non-native spots.

• the false ceiling is fixed too close to the main ceiling and the lamp, together with the socket, rests against the plaster

Replacing lamps type GX53 (tablet)

The easiest way to change them:

• hold the lamp body with your left hand and turn the lamp quite a bit (up to 20 degrees) counterclockwise until it clicks

• then pull it out by pulling it down

• installation and fixing in place of a new one, occurs by combining the contacts and turning already clockwise. At the same time, a characteristic click should also be heard.

The luminaire itself does not need to be pulled out and dismantled.

Replacing light bulbs with E14, E27 sockets

Here the whole process is no different from the usual replacement in a standard chandelier or sconce socket.

Unscrew the old one counterclockwise and screw in the new one as well. The main thing is not to confuse the size of the socles – E14 and E27.

When replacing lamps of all sizes and sockets, it is important to consider the type of lamp.

For example, halogen lamps must not be touched with bare hands.

Since it may leave marks from greasy fingers. First, it will cause dark spots when illuminated. And secondly, it will lead to its burnout in the shortest possible time.

Most often with G4 or G9 base, but not only.

They (G4-G9) do not have any additional fasteners to the luminaire body. To replace the light bulb, just pull down on the bulb.

Always use gloves or wipes when handling these (halogen) products.

You can also wrap part of the flask with paper tape.

Replacing a lamp in a stretch ceiling

If you are going to change LED lamps, then you should take into account that some lamps and lamps inside them are a single whole.

In this case, you will have to change the lamp itself. The procedure is the following.

First, remember that it is not held in the ceiling film itself, but in a special mounting platform.

Gently bend the luminaire with your hands to reveal the two expanding springs that hold it in place.

These springs will need to be supported during dismantling so as not to snag or tear the ceiling itself.

• press the springs inward and pull down to pull out the lamp

• disconnect the power plug and connect a new spot

in its place

• now bend the springs inside again with your fingers and insert them into the ring of the mounting platform

Sometimes it is not very convenient to do this at the same time, so you start the right side first, and then, pressing the left spring, insert the lamp as a whole.

Please note that the luminaire must not hang on the film. The springs must fall exactly into the ring, which is located behind the film.

Use your thumbs to press the case upwards, completely sinking it into the ceiling. The lamp is in place. Turn on the switch and check the lighting.

Errors

1Replacing lamps is carried out either without turning off the power at all (think about it, what’s so difficult about replacing a light bulb?).

Either only the switch in the room turns off, and not a phase goes through it, but zero.

And since during such work, live wires most often fall out of the ceiling along with the cartridge, then an electric shock is more than likely. Who knows what tool the electrician cleaned the insulation with and whether there were any bare parts left on it.

2Replacement occurs immediately after the power is turned off.

Spotlights, even LEDs tend to heat up.

And you can easily burn your hands standing up under the ceiling. Therefore, be sure to wait a couple of minutes until the temperature drops.

3As mentioned above, you cannot change halogen bulbs with your bare hands.

Here is a real user review from YouTube.

Of course, not all of them will burn out immediately or one by one, but the fact that their service life will decrease is unequivocal.

And this is how you don’t need to change lamps and bulbs (humor):

Good afternoon, I have a pendant in my room ceiling, but the lamps began to go out in it. I tried to pull it out myself, but I can’t unscrew it. The canvas is deformed, the lamp is not pulled out. I’m afraid to damage the ceiling. Tell me how to restore the backlight?

Answer:

Stretch and suspended ceilings are often used to decorate the interior and implement design ideas. The lamps that are installed in them are called spot or “spot”, which is translated from English as “Point”. In these, both 12-24V lamps and the usual 220V can be used. The design of the device, although typical, but different cartridges are installed in them, the lamps in them are also fixed in a different way. This approach helps to make a multi-zone ceiling light that is appropriate both in the home and in the office. Let’s find out how to change a light bulb in a false ceiling without damaging it.

Which lamps are used in spotlights

In stores you can find a range of products for spotlights, they differ in both voltage and design. When replacing a lamp, you need to pay attention to both factors:

1. Supply voltage – 12, 24 or 220 V.
2. Base type.

Supply voltage 12V allows the use of such lamps in any room, including wet rooms – bathroom and kitchen. The type of base already depends on the lamp itself, there are a lot of them for spotlights, among them the most common ones can be distinguished:0003

• E14;
• E27;
• GU4;
• GU5. 3;
• GU10;
• GX53;

Generally speaking, they can be divided into two groups:

1. Threaded base.
2. Pin (bulb to be inserted with or without rotation).

The last difference is the type of lamp:

• Incandescent lamp;
• Halogen;
• Fluorescent;
• LED;

The last two types are called “Energy Saving”. Let’s figure out how to change the LED and any other light bulb in a spotlight.

How to remove a light bulb from a stretch ceiling: 4 rules

Layout of a spotlight in a suspended ceiling

Spots are fixed not in a stretch ceiling, but in the main. Its frame is mounted on the ceiling, and its decorative part is located on the stretch fabric. The cartridge can either be fixed on the spot frame, or simply hang on the wire, and the lamp is fixed in the lamp, we will talk about this in more detail below. The main thing when replacing is to adhere to the following rules:

1. Use a stable ladder or stand . This is a must, because you can’t lean on the stretch ceiling with your hand, you will damage it.
2. Wear gloves . Halogen lamps must not be touched with bare hands. If greasy traces remain on their surface, this can lead to premature failure of the lamp. It is worth thinking about replacing the halogen with diode counterparts.
3. When servicing MR16 luminaires, carefully remove the stopper so as not to lose it, otherwise the lamp will fall out.
4. Do not force . When removing the light bulb or the spot itself, you need to be careful not to damage the stretch ceiling or drywall, determine the type of lamp and read the instructions for replacing it.

Replacing lamps MR16, GU5.3

Layout of a spotlight with GU5.3 base

Luminaires for MR16 with GU5.3 base hold the lamp by means of a retaining ring. It is rather not a ring, but a bracket. Let’s learn how to pull the light bulb out of the spotlight.

1. Turn off the power. In order not to get an electric shock, it is better to turn off the electricity completely, because the switch does not always break the phase wire, although the correct circuit involves disconnecting the phase from the light bulb.
2. If there is a decorative cover on the luminaire, remove it.
3. Squeeze the retaining clip with two fingers on the provided tabs. Now you need to take it out. The removed stopper can easily jump out of your fingers, be careful.
4. The lamp will hang on the wire, now you need to remove it from the base, holding on to it. Do not pull on the wire, so as not to tear off.
5. Reassemble everything in reverse order and install the retaining ring in its place. Please note that there are slots (windows) on the lamp body for this.

There are some nuances. If the stopper does not sit in its place, this may be due to two reasons. The first is that the lamp was not inserted completely or its body was not made according to the standard. The second – perhaps the ring is not from this lamp, you could mix them up if you changed several lamps at once.

A threaded ring can be used instead of the spring stop. We simply unscrew it and repeat the described steps.

Replacing GX53 lamps (tablet)

Layout of a GX53 spotlight

The GX53 actually looks like a tablet, they are usually round in shape with a white matte diffuser. Consider how to change gx53 light bulbs in a stretch ceiling. The procedure for replacing them is a little simpler than that of GU5.3. There are two pins on the lamp, but they are of a different shape. The pins have two diameters, the one closer to the lamp is smaller, and the one closer to the edge is twice as large. This is necessary to fix the light bulb in the cartridge. You don’t have to disassemble anything here.

To replace this bulb:

1. Hold the bulb with one hand.
2. Hold the lamp frame with your other hand.
3. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise by 20 degrees.
4. Pull out the bulb.
5. Install a new one by turning clockwise until it stops.

It is not necessary to get the GX53 out of the cartridge if it does not go. The design provides easy extraction, it should also be inserted simply. It is fixed by turning and inserting the stops on the pins into a narrow place on the connector in the cartridge.

Replacing light bulbs with sockets E14, E27

Light bulbs with such sockets are less common in spotlights than pins, but still. They just need to be unscrewed and removed from the lamp. Now we will tell you how to change a light bulb with a threaded base in a spotlight. Depending on its design, there may be a retaining ring, as described in the first type of lamps, or the lamp itself can be removed from the ceiling. On plasterboard ceilings, these are held by spring-loaded paws located opposite each other and separated in different directions under the action of a spring. It is necessary to carefully remove the spot from the ceiling, without damaging the latter, after which it will be convenient to unscrew the light bulb and screw in a new one. The stops under the action of tension will close towards each other and release the lamp.

Replacing the luminaire in the stretch ceiling

The luminaire in the stretch ceiling is fixed through plastic mounting rings. The spot itself rests on spring-loaded paws. The paws rest against the ring through the stretch fabric. To remove such a luminaire, do just two actions:

1. Grasp the ring in the stretch ceiling with your hand, slightly resting on it.
2. Pull on the light housing.

The springs will give way and the stops will come out of the ring.

Next you need to bring the stops on the new lamp together so that they fit into the ring and insert into the ring on the ceiling.

Rings can be placed on the reverse side of the stretch film. Do not mindlessly pull on the body, do it with smooth, but confident movements. Usually the wire to the cartridge is long enough, should not create obstacles.

Useful Tips

We told you how to change the LED lamp in the stretch ceiling, now let’s learn about some of the subtleties. Our advice will help you do this without damaging the wiring and ceiling coating, as well as quickly burning out the lamp.

1. If the lamp burns out in the same place more often than others, the problem is in the cartridge. Pin bases are not designed for high power, so it is better to use energy-saving lamps, then the base will last longer, but if it is already damaged, replace the lamp or cartridge.
2. Do not touch the flask – use wipes and gloves. In addition to visual defects, this can lead to burnout of halogen light sources, which we have already mentioned. Such lamps need to be taken through a napkin or with gloves, simple HB from a hardware store will do. If they were not at hand, you can even use medical ones. A napkin will also help to avoid problems. The last option is paper tape.
3. If the lamp does not work, do not use force. It can stick to the cartridge, this happens due to power surges, overheating. Duct tape or paper tape will help. You can paste over the protruding edge of the flask and pull the edge of the tape. Thus, you will apply more effort without harming the ceiling.

Errors

The main mistake is the use of powerful halogens. For example, the GU5.3 base does not tolerate lamps over 40 watts. To make the lighting brighter, add a number of fixtures, or use LED or fluorescent fixtures. With the same power consumption, LEDs shine five or more times brighter. The price of LEDs has fallen significantly over the past five years, and the quality of products has become higher. They are suitable for both backlighting and general lighting

If you already have high power LED fixtures, try white light bulbs. Warm light visually seems dimmer and softer, although they give the same luminous flux.

Related video

To consolidate the material covered, we suggest watching a video with tips on replacing lamps in spotlights. In the first video, the author shows how to get the lamp itself, it clearly demonstrates the attachment mechanism.

The second video shows the replacement of the MR16 GU5.