three years later and you're still helping us people who stand in their yard holding their cameras thinking "how the hell am I gonna do this?!?" Thanks for the GREAT idea! and I'm doing this with the bird feeders outside my kitchen window as well!
Your idea is smart. I admittedly stole your idea as my own to my wife. She thinks I’m a rock star and so clever that she baked my fav cookies. From scratch. Thanks!
Seriously!! I've been pondering this very exact thing for a month now as we are having our house resided with new vinyl. The old eve's were metal, but the new stuff will be vinyl, so this is truly a great idea! So glad I found this video, so thank you!
Your idea is pure genius. I installed a camera using your method and it looks great; moreover, I have the flexibility of moving it without doing any damage to my soffit. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for this! I have been struggling to figure out the best way to mount our cameras and your advice is by far the easiest and most sensible way I have found. Off to mount and wire them now :-)
The method is brilliant! I used it to hang two outdoor Ring cameras. Easy to put into place and if I ever take it down you'd never know anything was there. Thanks for doing this video.
Jim… absolutely fantastic idea! I have the exact same situation and have been wondering how I could accomplish this without creating more problems. I applaud your creativity and Thank you brotha! This can be done with cameras as well as additional lighting installs without creating weathering issues. Thank you for sharing!
Just the idea my husband and I were looking for to install 2 Nest IQ Outdoor cameras without having to drill through the brick exterior. Your video saved us from more countless arguments on the best way to approach our installation! Thanks so much
Very helpful . I rented a house for almost 10 and was trying to find a way to install a battery wireless camera without damaging the vinyl siding. Awesome idea . Thanks for sharing
Rock and roll brother! I almost took my installation to the next level overthinking it all. Your idea saved me a lot of time and headaches! Thank you sir!
That's a great idea! I really want to try your method but the gutter is on the second floor of the townhome. The cameras are delivered today, so I'm thinking about all different ways to mount it and your video is really helpful. Thank you.
Thanks for the idea it worked great! I bought a 2 dome/2 bullet 4 camera system and installed the cameras using this idea. Went to Home Depot and bought the aluminum bars which were 2 inches x 3 feet and didn't have any wider. The dome cameras have 4 mounting holes which are wider than the 2 inches wide bar, so I actually cut 2 lengths using a sawzall with all purpose metal blade and then drilled two mounting holes in 1 plate and two mounting holes in the other, effectively making the two pieces one 4 inch wide. Once installed I simply ran the foot of camera tail hidden in the outter soffit edge to where it then goes up into the soffit space to where my ethernet cables were hanging. Luckily I didn't have to drill anything in the attic near the eves because I could see some light bleeding up through the soffit when I was up there, I just had to crawl as far to the corner as I could and then stick the ethernet cables over the 2x4 which then went down and hit the soffit. Don't forget that this idea is to save your soffit, so the camera mounting screws only need to be long enough to go through the mounting hole of the camera and through the aluminum bar but no further otherwise they will scratch your soffit. After drilling the holes slightly smaller than my screws, I then manually screwed in the screws all the way to create threadings in the plate. Once the screws were tight with mounting bracket in place, I then used my sawzall again to saw off the excess of the screws leaving them flush with the top of the plate (screws are now maybe quarter of inch long). For the soffit itself I just had to remove a couple of nails driven up through the outside edge bracket which I could then bend a bit with my hands. The soffit pannels themselves were stapled on and so I couldn't actually remove them, but I was able to pry an opening into the soffit space where the "tongue" of one panel inserted into the "groove" of the other.
Thank you. Great idea. I used an aluminum strip that was the exact width of the vinyl slats and after painting the aluminum slat, you cannot tell it was just an inserted piece to hold the camera.
This is the perfect solution and met my needs. Thanks for sharing such an innovative idea. It took me less than an hour to install and I’m so happy that I didn’t have to drill any holes into the house.
This is what I have been looking for. Great idea and video. We have aluminum siding that can dent at the slightest touch and look awful. This will help for sure. 10/10
Good thought on plate cover. My camera was about as wide as the aluminum strip so no need on my part. Just remember to grind screws patruding through so it won't gouge sofit
Jim Odell Hey Jim. First time right now that I’m seeing one of your videos. I clicked like and subscribed. I’ve got a Amcrest security system. Where did you buy those metal stops from, bc where I need to place my cameras, there isn’t a gutter at every station to hide the to a certain point. I could really use your advice here. Thanks so much. -T
Thank you for the tip. Just mounted a couple cameras following this tip. Works great. Haven't gone as far painting the flat bar to match the soffit yet but not going to worry about that unless the wife starts complaining about it not matching :)
That's what i need for finish my project. I get a Lorex kit and have'nt found a way to install the last one...well., now i know how to do it right and looks pro. Thanks Sir. Well done.
Jim, that's a brilliant idea! I stole your idea and recently installed an Amcrest Turret camera. I even spray painted the aluminum to match the color of my soffit.
Thanks for posting this. I did something similar, I used 2 2" aluminum flat bars, I greatly appreciate this idea as I am trying a few camera positions and it sure beats drilling holes in the soffit panels and then finding out your positioning isn't quite right. I also being a mechanic drilled and tapped holes in the aluminum flats for machine screws (6/32) instead of using self tapping screws with the pointed end sticking out.
Hey mate, just saying thank you for doing this video/tutorial. I was able to replicate your method and installed a couple of cameras. Was really happy I didn't have to remove the soffit cause quite frankly I couldn't keep them off.
Great idea! Thanks so much for saving me a lot of unnecessary work and aggravation! After watching your video I decided to install Reolink RLC810 bullet cameras on the two front corners of my garage using your method with the 1/8" x 2" aluminum flat stock available at Home Depot. These particular Reolink cameras have 3 separate wires coming out of the camera (a USB connection, a 12v power connection and a camera reset wire with a reset button). It would have been impossible to hide all these wires without using a mounting box. I definitely didn't want an ugly box that would have to be secured to structural wood, because that would have entailed removing the soffit material in order to install wood bracing. Way too much aggravation and work! I didn't want any wires showing, so this is what I did: After measuring and cutting the aluminum to length, I temporarily put it in place. Then I carefully decided where on the aluminum I wanted the camera mounted and marked the aluminum. I then removed the mount and drilled the three small holes to mount the camera (using a template supplied by Reolink). I then drilled a large hole (about 3/4") in the center of those three mounting holes to run the wires from the camera through. After lightly sanding and painting the mount with white spray paint, I again temporarily installed the aluminum mounting bar and marked the soffit for a hole to run the wires through. It was very cold when I did my installation, and the location where I needed to make the hole in the soffit wasn't flat. I didn't want to risk shattering the vinyl soffit with a large drill bit, so I used an oscillating tool with a narrow blade to cut a small square hole in the soffit to run the wires through. Great tool....cut like butter. The aluminum mount covers the hole in the soffit completely. After connecting a POE ethernet cable, all of the wires simply get pushed back up through the holes into the soffit void. The installation came out perfect, and because the cameras are mounted behind a gutter leader pipe, they are barely noticeable. I have no intention of moving or removing the cameras, so I'm not worried about the hole in the soffit material. If I ever needed to remove them, I could just find a scrap piece of soffit, cut out a patch and glue it over the hole. One thing I would suggest to others is that when cutting the aluminum to length, cut it so that it fits good and snug between the wall and the aluminum trim that covers the fascia board. Err on the side of slightly longer....there's always some give, plus you could always use a hand file to trim it a little shorter if necessary. The first one I installed was way too loose, and had to be screwed and caulked to the soffit so the camera didn't shake in the wind. I cut the next one for a tighter fit and it was secure right from the get-go. Also, if you're using wired cameras, make sure you'll be able to snake the wire from your attic to your mounting location before starting your project.
"One thing I would suggest to others is that when cutting the aluminum to length, cut it so that it fits good and snug between the wall and the aluminum trim that covers the fascia board. Err on the side of slightly longer....there's always some give, plus you could always use a hand file to trim it a little shorter if necessary. The first one I installed was way too loose, and had to be screwed and caulked to the soffit so the camera didn't shake in the wind. I cut the next one for a tighter fit and it was secure right from the get-go. Also, if you're using wired cameras, make sure you'll be able to snake the wire from your attic to your mounting location before starting your project." Thumbs Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Genius. Thank you for sharing I'm in the same predicament I don't want holes in the vinyl or the brick. Thank you so much! God Bless you. New subscriber. 👍
LOVE your idea. I now have 6 mounted that way. Works like a champ. I used screws to mount to the aluminum and counter sunk the heads to not mess up the soffit.
Great video! I have the same trash vinyl soffits that have empty space above them and nothing to screw the cameras into. The aluminum plates will be cheap and easy to put up. Thanks for sharing, will save me a ton of time and money. Now if I only had tips on how to run the wires EASILY. My current plan is to make holes in the soffit AND aluminum plate and push the wire through from the outside. Then crawl around in the attic and use a grabber to get the wire from the really narrow area at the edge of the roof in the attic and pull it through. I have crawled on my belly all the way to that tight area and it's difficult to find the hole to push the wire OUT. It's a pain.
Great idea, thanks for this video. Was looking to install some reolink cameras and I have the same vinyl soffit and was trying to think how I was going to block behind them. This is so much simpler. Thanks!
I've watched this video several times. Impressive your workmanship and close attention to detail is rare these day's. Thank you again this is one GREAT VIDEO.
Jim...AWESOME! This is great! I am very familiar with the aluminum strips from HD, I have used them on my boat for various things. For me I want to mount some outdoor speakers but keep them semi protected under the overhang. This is really easy and fast. Can't wait to mount my speakers next week to the soffit of my garage along my brand new brick patio!!
Thumbs up! Elegant solution and watchable video. I'd love to see a part-2 video of your solution on running the wires inside. I'm sure there are other videos out there on how to do that but would love your take on it!
This^^ I love this idea that you showed. However, I have no idea how to get from the soffit to the inside of the attic. Is it just open space between the soffit and the house wall? Should I expect to run into a stucco wall right behind the soffit or is the wall usually less protected than that? This is the part I am most confused by.
That's a fantastic job I'm going to start working on my cameras at home I have all aluminum siding it makes it hard to mount them anywhere but you have a good idea thanks.👍
Hi, did you have success installing your Arlo Pro 2 camera like the video suggests? I ask because I'm looking to install one myself and was wondering if the shape of the Arlo camera would hinder the angle when mounted under the soffit like here.
I did this today thanks to your video. I couldn't remove the soffit so I used a bit to drill a bigger hole in the metal plate and a hole saw to drill through the soffit. Now the wire is completely hidden. Thank you. Note to users: if you use reolink cameras lowes sells 3" wide steel. Home Depot only has 2" and this will not fit your template.
That is really good idea. Thanks for your video. I've been trying to come with an idea to mount some blink cameras that don't require drilling into siding or soffit.
I would just like to personally say thanks Jim. I tried this on my install and it made it effortless. 5 cameras up and adjusted in less than 30 min. Prep time took about the same time. Cutting,drilling,mounting camera brackets and paint. Thanks
How did you meet code with your wiring. I'm trying to put my camers up but not sure how to meet code with the wire since you shouldn't have cables running thru attic.
I'm not sure about code since every area would be different. This is all low voltage cat 5 wiring so I'm thinking it wouldn't be as strict, but I would check with your local coding to make sure
Plus one for this guy's tip. I did it with a piece of lexan and the result was fantastic. Nice and easy to slide it below the soffit all without drilling into my house. I appreciate the great tip.
@@christopherleonge1833 I bought this mount, other wise the camera can't attach to a surface above it and still angle down. www.amazon.com/dp/B07G86NW4J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_9n9RFbW31S2XC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
My rain gutters extend below the soffit by 1.5". I had bought junction boxes before watching your video and had planned on taking them back. I'm going to use them as a standoff as well as cable housing along with your idea of the bar. It will also allow for better control of the camera angle settings due to attaching to a ceiling vs. wall style.
That is extremely smart to use ethat metal piece! EXCELENT. Because its tru it does change the way it is if u screw holes on the original vinyl. A++++ man
What you have here is a purely brilliant marvel of progressive engineering! Thx so much for sharing your idea/design on this matter. You are the MAN! Happy New Year Too Jim...
Nice video, man. Good call. Nice cheap, easy way to get that done without overthinking it. One thing I would say is if you're getting IR glare issues to maybe see if you can mask off and paint black the inside of the camera hood. I have to sharpie the inside of my phone's otterbox for the same problem. Real nice video, though.
I too debated a similar solution but in the end just decided to attach the camera directly to the soffit with screws. I figured it provided a cleaner look. Plus replacing the soffit is pretty cheap and easy if you ever need to. But overall a great idea!
That’s a really good idea, put my soffit & facia & siding on in the late 90’s & there is nothing I could put up without it sticking out like a sore thumb if I were to ruin a piece, thanks
Sitting outside must me a nightmare with all them bugs flying around 😂. But thank you for the tip. I didn’t want to drill into the vinyl and this idea seems to be the best trick.
Love this idea. I’m thinking about doing this but also drilling a center hole for the wire to go through the aluminum as well. This would also mean 1 hole drilled through the soffit for the wire, which I don’t mind as it will make an even cleaner appearance. I really like this because I have no plywood under the soffit to mount to, so the bar gives a sturdy foundation for the camera base without me having to remove the soffit and build blocking.
