SB12P SIMPLESOFFIT Soffit Framing System
Product Information
System Overview
The product is called SimpleSoffit and it is used for creating
soffits or suspended ceilings. It consists of main beams, cross
tees, and hanger wires. The main beams can be either XL8945P or
KAM12, and the cross tees can be LAM12 or KAM12. The spacing
between the main beams is typically 48 inches, but it can be up to
72 inches depending on the loading condition. The product should be
braced to the structure as needed or at least every 96 inches.
Material Handling/Storage
When handling the product, it is important to support it
properly to avoid bending or twisting. When storing the main beams,
they should be kept in their cartons on a flat rigid surface. To
open the carton, cut the long edge of the carton while it is on a
flat surface. Once opened, remove the product from the carton and
ensure it stays straight until clicked together. Keep the product
flat until ready to fold and click together.
Product Considerations and Capabilities
For minimum bend dimensions tighter than achievable with the
Click Notch, the Screw Notch should be used. The Screw Notch allows
for tighter bend dimensions, but a screw must be added once the
main beam is folded. For more information on minimum bend
dimensions, refer to Section 1.8 of the user manual.
System Installation
To install SimpleSoffit, connect the main beams to either KAM or
LAM as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The standard spacing between main
beams is 48 inches, but it can be up to 72 inches depending on the
loading condition. The product should be braced to the structure as
needed or at least every 96 inches.
Product Attachment to Structure
There are different options for attaching SimpleSoffit to the
structure. One option is to use StrongBackTM, which is screwed to
the SimpleSoffit framing every 48 inches. This is a solution for
large plenum drops.
Product Usage Instructions
- Handle the product with care to avoid bending or twisting.
- Store the main beams in their cartons on a flat rigid
surface. - To open the carton, cut the long edge of the carton while it is
on a flat surface. - Remove the product from the carton and ensure it stays straight
until clicked together. - Keep the product flat until ready to fold and click
together. - When folding the main beams, ensure proper alignment and make
sure each opposing Click Notch passes each other on the right for
proper locking with an audible click. - To achieve tighter bend dimensions, use the Screw Notch. Make
two cuts as shown in Figure 7B, fold the main beams together with
tabs passing to the right side of each other, and secure the
assembly with a #8 panhead screw. - To install SimpleSoffit, connect the main beams to either KAM
or LAM as shown in Figures 8 and 9. - The spacing between main beams is typically 48 inches, but it
can be up to 72 inches depending on the loading condition. - Brace the product to the structure as needed or at least every
96 inches. - Choose the best attachment method for your installation, such
as using StrongBackTM for large plenum drops.
SIMPLESOFFIT® Soffit Framing System
Assembly and Installation Instructions
1. SYSTEM OVERVIEW
SimpleSoffit® is a prefabricated grid framing system that quickly and easily snaps together into an interior soffit allowing for a faster, more accurate framing installation. This new framing system reduces time and labor associated with cutting and measuring the framing members.
9/16″
Hanger Wire to Structure
XL8945P
SimpleSoffit® 48″ O.C
KAM12
LAM SimpleSoffit
1-1/4″
1-1/2″
Brace to Structure every 96″ O.C. min.
LAM12 or KAM12
KAM12
XL8945P SimpleSoffit
1.1 Material Handling/Storage
Product requires proper handling. Please transport cartons supporting the product so it doesn’t bend or twist. (Fig 1) For storage, please store main beams in carton on a flat rigid surface. Opening the carton: While the carton is on a flat rigid surface, cut the long edge of the carton to reveal the product inside (Fig 2). Once carton is opened remove product from carton and take care that product stays straight until clicking together. (Fig 3)
(Fig 1)
(Fig 2)
(Fig 3)
2
1.2 Folding and Clicking SimpleSoffit®
Keep the product flat until ready to fold and click together. (Fig 4)
When folding the mains, ensure the proper alignment while clicking together. Make sure each opposing Click Notch passing each other on the right for proper locking with an audible click. (Fig 5)
The click confirms the Click Notch locked. Please note, a screw may be needed in certain construction situations depending on the size, shape, and condition of the soffit (Fig 6). For assistance, contact your Armstrong® Ceilings Installation Representative. Inquire with your Technical rep.
Install SimpleSoffit frames in the space with Armstrong Drywall Grid cross tees.
Standard SimpleSoffit main spacing is 48″ O.C. And maybe up to 72″ O.C. depending on the loading condition. Please consider loading when determining if 24″, 36″, 48″, 60″, or 72″ cross tees should be used.
Product should be braced to structure as needed or 96″ O.C.
1.3 Assembling with SimpleSoffit® Screw Notch
When folding SimpleSoffit main beams with bend dimensions tighter than the minimum achievable with the Click Notch (see 1.8), assemble using the SimpleSoffit Screw Notch. (Fig 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D)
The Screw Notch allows tighter bend dimensions; HOWEVER, a screw must be added once the main beam is folded.
Use snips to make two cuts as shown in (Fig 7B). Once cuts are made, fold together with tabs passing to the right side of one another (Fig 7C).
Finally, use #8 panhead screw to secure Screw Notch assembly. (Fig 7D)
NOTE: For additional information on minimum bend dimensions, see Section 1.8 Product Considerations and Capabilities, page 8.
Click Notch (Fig 4)
(Fig 5)
Tabs pass on right side of each other
Click Notch
(Fig 6)
One screw at each connection may be necessary depending on the installation
Screw Notch
(Fig 7A)
Cut here
Cut here
(Fig 7B)
(Fig 7C)
(Fig 7D) 3
1.4 System Installation
Install SimpleSoffit® frames in the space using Armstrong Drywall Grid cross tees and KAM or LAM.
Connect SimpleSoffit mains to the KAM (Fig 8) or LAM (Fig 9) as shown.
Standard SimpleSoffit main spacing is 48″ O.C. Product can be spaced up to 72″ O.C. depending on the loading condition. Please consider loading when determining if 24″, 36″, 48″, 60″, or 72″ cross tees should be used. (Fig 10)
Product should be braced to structure as needed or 96″ O.C.
SimpleSoffit with KAM
Screw as necessary (Fig 8)
SimpleSoffit with LAM (Fig 9)
Hanger Wire to Structure
XL8945P
SimpleeSSooffffiittTM 48″ O.C.
KAM12
LAM SimpleSoffit
Brace to Structure Every
96″ O.C. min.
48″
LAM12 or KAM12
XL8945P SimpleSoffit
Spacing for SimpleSoffit
48″
(Fig 10)
KAM12
4
1.5 Product Attachment to structure
Product must be supported to structure via hanger wire or bracing every 48″ O.C. along the SimpleSoffit® main beam.
There are many different conditions and applications for SimpleSoffit. Please use this as a guideline. Choose the best option for your installation method.
For suspending soffit framing to structure installation of wire should be on the vertical framing of the main runner where applicable. (Fig 11)
StrongBack can also be used. StrongBackTM screwed to SimpleSoffit framing every 48″ is a solution for large plenum drops. (Figs 12 and 13)
Attach Hanger Wire to the Vertical Framing Member
(Fig 11)
SB12 StrongBack Bracing as Required
Screw Attached to Cross Tee
Framing Screws
KAM-151220E
(Fig 12)
SimpleSoffitTM L-Upturn
1%& ! ¤¥1¡¢’ 1 ¡¢£¤¥ ¡¦ §¨©£ ¨
¡£¤¥ ¢ ¨¦
£¨ !TM “#$! ¤
KAM-151220E
(Fig 13) 5
1.6 Accessories attachments
Product can be adapted to work seamlessly with standard Armstrong® Drywall Grid, transitions, light coves, and more.
For attachment to standard drywall grid, use the RC1. (Fig 14)
For additional attachment method splicing adjoining drywall main beams, use framing scews attaching components together as shown in (Fig 15).
For attachment to structure via black iron and Channel Beam Support (CBS) hanger for SimpleSoffit® grid. (Fig 16)
For attachment of Axiom® for light cove and perimeter integration. (Fig 17)
HD8906
(Fig 14)
12″ Max
HD8906
RC1 #8 Sharp Point Screws SimpleSoffitTM
12″ Max
HD8906 SSiimmpplleeSSoofffiftitTM
(Fig 15)
CFDrEaF mGiHnIg sSccrreewwss
f()02 34o5
67 89)4@
oA5B 804ews
(Fig 16)
CBS Hanger for SimpleSoffitTM
SimmpplleeSSoofffifittTM
Hanger Wire to Structure
SSimimppleleSSooffiftit®
AXTBC
2″ one piece Axiom® Classic for Drywall
5/8″ Gypsum Board
(Fig 17) 6
1.7 Light Cove installation
Hanger wires must be installed at upper and lower corners. SimpleSoffit® main beam spacing may be no more than 48″ O.C. Consider 24″ O.C. spacing as loading increases.
See (Fig 18) for SimpleSoffit curved light cove detail and (Fig 19), (Fig 20), and (Fig 21) for SimpleSoffit straight light cove details.
Two (2) min no. 7″ x 7/16″ framing screws must be installed at corners, (see Fig 9 on pg. 4). Limiting criteria will be deflection at end of cantilever (see Fig 17, where screw required is shown).
For cantilever distance, see Technical Guide for specific information.
SimpleSoffit Curved Light Cove Detail
Hanger Wire to Structure 48″ O.C.
Armstrong StrongBackTM
SB12P
Armstrong SimpleSoffit® Mains 16″ or 24″ O.C.
Armstrong KAM-151220E 5/8” GYP Board
Screw Required
Armstrong KAM-151220E
Light Fixture
Armstrong® Grid System
(Fig 18)
“X”
Armstrong SimpleCurve® SC-151220EQ
Armstrong SimpleCurve SC-151220EQ
ALTERNATIVE OPTION
Light Fixture Axiom® One Piece for Drywall
Axiom AXTBC
SimpleSoffit Straight Light Cove Detail
Hanger Wire to Structure
48″ O.C.
Armstrong SimpleSoffit® Mains
Armstrong® Drywall Cross Tee XL8945
Screw Required
Armstrong KAM-151220E
5/8″ GYP Board
Armstrong KAM-151220E
Light Fixture
Armstrong Grid System
“X” Armstrong KAM-151220E
Armstrong KAM-151220E
(Fig 19)
SimpleSoffit Straight Light Cove Detail
rPQRST UVTS
tW XtTY`tYTS
48″ O.C.
Armstrong SimpleSoffit® Mains 24″ or 48″ O.C.
Armstrong KAM-151220E
Armstrong® Drywall Cross Tee XL8945
Armstrong DW90C
5/8″ GYP Board
Armstrong KAM-151220E
Light Fixture
Armstrong KAM-151220E
“X”
Armstrong Drywall Main Beam HD8906 24″ or 48″ O.C.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION
Light Fixture Axiom® One Piece for Drywall
Axiom AXTBC
(Fig 20)
SimpleSoffit Straight Light Cove Detail
Hanger Wire to Structure 48″ O.C.
Armstrong SimpleSoffit® Mains 24″ or 48″ O.C.
Armstrong® KAM-151220E
5/8″ GYP Board
Armstrong KAM-151220E
Light Fixture
Armstrong KAM-151220E “X”
(Fig 21) 7
1.8 Product Considerations and Capabilities
Factory ends will be a minimum of 5-1/2″ from first notch. If installation requires a dimension shorter than 5-1/2″, it must be trimmed in the field.
Maximum 6 notches per main beam combination of 3 bulb notches and 3 face notches. (Fig 22)
See (Fig 23) for the minimum bend dimensions achievable with the Click Notch. See (Fig 24) for the tighter bend dimensions achievable with the Screw Notch.
Maximum 6 rout holes may be placed on a SimpleSoffit® main beam location to be specified by customer.
Reference (Fig 23) and (Fig 24) for the shortest distance between notches.
5-1/2″ is the minimum distance notches when face is oriented outward. (Fig 23) 3-5/8″ is the minimum distance that can be achieved with the Screw Notch feature, but it must have #8 pan head screws at each corner.
4-3/4″ is the minimum distance between two notches with the bend and click feature. 3″ is the minimum distance that can be achieved with the ScrewNotch feature, but it must have #8 pan head screws at each corner.
NOTE: Cross tee height is slightly taller than SimpleSoffit main beam height. (Fig 25)
Armstrong AcoustiBuilt® Seamless Acoustical Ceiling System can be installed on soffits of any size or angle. For acoustical benefit, AcoustiBuilt is recommended on soffits 36″ or greater in height. Standard Drywall is recommended for soffits less than 36″.
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Click Notch
Face
abacd”
Bulb Side
Face Side
Rout
(Fig 22)
Face Side
Click Notch
Double Stitch
Click Notch
Click Notch
5-1/2″
Face Side
3-1/2″
4-3/4″
Click Notch
NOTE: This is the folded result of 2 face notches placed 5-1/2″ apart minimum spacing for the dies
(Fig 23)
Face Side
NOTE: 4-3/4″ is the minimum distance between Click Notches
3-5/8″
Click Notch
Face Side NOTE: This is the folded result of bulb notches placed 5-1/2″ apart minimum spacing for the dies
Click Notch
wxy
Screw Notch
(Fig 24)
NOTE: 3-5/8″ is the minimum distance that can be achieved with the ScrewNotch feature, but it must have #8 pan head screws at each corner.
Screw Notch
wxy
NOTE: 3″ is the minimum distance that can be achieved with the ScrewNotch feature, but it must have #8 pan head screws at each corner.
1-11/16″ 1-1/4″
(Fig 25)
Bulb Face
9/16″ 1-1/4″
1-1/2″
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, or for an Armstrong Ceilings representative, call 1 877 276-7876. For complete technical information, detail drawings, CAD design assistance, installation information, and many other technical services, call TechLine customer support at 1 877 276-7876 or FAX 1 800 572-TECH.
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