How to Mount Security Camera to Soffit: 5 Simple Steps
Introduction
Are you worried about poking a gigantic hole in your soffit while installing a security camera? Well, it can be a bit intimidating but with proper guidance, it’ll seem like a piece of cake.
So, how to mount security camera to soffit without causing permanent damage to the house?
To mount the security camera, you have to drill a hole into the soffit and attach the cable through it. Start by removing a segment of soffit then drill into it. Later on, fasten the mounting box using toggle bolts. Lastly, connect the camera to the fastened mount box.
Still, confused about what we’re trying to say? Well, then stay with us a little longer. That’s because we’re about to dive into a pool of details to explain it to you fully.
Shall we start then?
How to mount security camera to soffit all by yourself?
You know, installing a security camera to the soffit isn’t a complicated process. No, in fact, it’s quite easy and can be dealt with in 6 easy steps.
Moreover, it’ll only take you 15 minutes to get the work done. However, you do need to gather up some tools first. So, what say we take a look at the items we’ll be needing?
Grab these essentials
Now, for a technical job like installing a camera you do need some equipment. Hence, to make things easier for you we made a complete list of all the items you’ll need.
LIST OF ITEMS-
- Pry Tools
- Drilling machine
- Toggle Bolts
- Hammer
- Crimping Tool
- Mounting Box
Do you have all these items with you? Well, fantastic then! We can finally start now.
Step 1- Remove a section of soffit using a pry tool
First of all, identify the place where you want to install the security camera. We recommend you to find a corner that kind of hides the camera but at the same time covers most of the space which you want to observe.
Then take out the pry tool and carefully remove the soffit. While doing this make sure you try to slide the soffit towards your house. This will lift off the soffit quite easily.
One caution: Check the space above the soffit to ensure there is no obstacle in its way.
Step 2- Drill into the soffit
Secondly, take out your drill machine. This is because it’s time to drill a hole into the soffit to make some space for the cables and the screws.
For the screws, you need to make 3 holes. However, make sure that the drill size matches the screw’s size. Next up, make a bigger hole for the cable to pass through.
Step 3- Fasten mounting box with toggle bolts
After the drilling job ends you need to fasten the mounting box. Why should you fasten the mounting box? Well, this amazing device allows you to mount the camera easily.
Moreover, you won’t have to drill a huge hole in your soffit due to the mounting box. So, it’s a win-win. Hence, use two toggle bolts to attach the mounting box to the soffit.
Later, hammer the toggle bolts to fit it into its place.
Step 4- Make the wires waterproof
One thing you should be careful about is water. You don’t want the rain to drench your cable and stop the camera from functioning properly now, do you?
This is why you need to make the cables waterproof. And for this particular job you need waterproof connectors. Install them around the cable and you’re done.
Step 5- Crimp the cables
Before the final step, you need to crimp the wires. For this, you need a crimping tool.
So, to start, you need to arrange the wires- side by side. Then put it under the crimping tool and cut the edges of the wire. After this, you’ll find that the wires are a bit exposed.
Hence, be careful, if they are connected to an electric supply you might get electrocuted.
Step 6- Connect the camera with the mounting box
Lastly, attach all the cables to the wire. And install the camera on the mounting box. For this, you need to screw the camera into the mounting box.
At the same time, don’t forget to fasten the safety harness. It will ensure that the camera stays in its place and doesn’t fall down.
FAQ
Question: What screws to use for soffit?
Answer: The soffit has its own kind of screws that they prefer. These are called soffit screws. And their recommended size is ⅝ inches. However, one caution: Do not let the screws get wet.
Question: Can you hand things from soffit?
Answer: You can hang some items from the soffit to decorate your house a bit. For this, you can use the hooks that are specially crafted to hang items from the soffit. However, make sure you don’t hang too heavy items.
Question: How do you run camera wires in the attic?
Answer: Firstly, run the wires through the attic to the camera. This should pass through the hole in the attic. Then fasten it by using an electric tape. Lastly, drill the camera to secure it in its place.
Question: How much does it cost to repair soffit?
Answer: Now, if you made a hole while installing a camera you can always have your soffit repaired. This will cost you around 20 to 30 dollars. However, to repair fascia it will take 15 to 25 dollars.
To wrap up
Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, we believe that you can do it too. So, why don’t you get up and give it a try?
In case things don’t work out we’re here to help you with how to mount security camera to soffit. Simply, leave a comment and we’ll get back to you.
That’s all for now. Take care. Adios!
