Selecting the correct track type and planning your Chromaglow Pro installation properly ensures your lights will be visible from the curb while providing beautiful architectural lighting. This guide covers all six track options and essential planning considerations for professional installations.
Understanding Track Selection
The key principle for Chromaglow Pro track selection is ensuring lights sit flush to the bottom of the fascia so they're visible from the curb while providing a beautiful wash on the building. If lights are hidden behind the fascia, they won't be visible from the street, and you'll get inconsistent results across different sections of the house.
Six Track Options Available:
Hat Tracks (Most Common)
Hat tracks are the most frequently used option and come in three heights:
13/16" height - Use when there is no fascia or minimal fascia drop
1.5" height - For moderate fascia depths
2" height - For deeper fascia drops up to 2-1/4"
These tracks tuck under the soffit and are secured with painted hex-head screws.
Fascia Mount Track
For fascia drops larger than 2-1/4", use the fascia mount track and attach it to the backside of the fascia instead of the soffit. For very deep drops (3-4"), mount it so it lines up with the bottom edge of the fascia.
Two-Piece Channel Track
The channel track system is ideal for irregular soffits and comes in two parts. To install these tracks:
Mount the base plate to the wall
Snap the light track on top
This option provides easy installation and removal capabilities.
Drip Edge Track
Designed for commercial buildings with drip caps commonly found on roof edges. The lights are angled outward 20 degrees to be more noticeable from the street while providing elegant building wash lighting.
Measuring for Track Selection
Fascia Depth Measurement
To choose the appropriate track height:
Measure the depth from the bottom edge of the fascia to the soffit
Measure at both ends and the middle, as most fascias are slanted for drainage
Choose the track that ensures lights aren't blocked by the largest fascia drop
Select the closest track height to your measurement
Track Length Planning
Chromaglow Pro tracks are 39-1/2 inches long and can be easily cut with metal shears or a mitre saw. Plan to order 5-10% extra material to allow for cutoffs during installation.
Color Customization Options
Standard Colors
Tracks come in black and white powder-coated finishes.
Custom Color Matching
For seamless integration, tracks can be powder-coated to match any fascia color using RAL paint codes. Color swatches are included in the Chromaglow Pro Display Case to help determine the exact color code needed.
Coordinated Accessories
Corner pieces, end caps, and screws are all powder-coated to match the selected track color.
Corner Solutions
There are three methods for creating professional corners:
45-degree cuts - Cut track ends at 45 degrees and butt them together
Nested approach - Cut out the wall of one track and nest the other within it
Corner piece accessories - Use pre-fabricated inside and outside corner caps for the cleanest finish
Track Cutting Best Practices
Recommended Tools
Metal cutting shears (recommended)
Mitre saw with metal blade (optional)
Professional Finishing
Use Chromaglow Pro end caps and corner pieces for a professional finish - no mitering required! This ensures clean, consistent appearance across the entire installation.
Essential Planning Considerations
Power Supply Placement
Locate the optimal position for the 600W controller near a 120V electrical outlet
Plan extension cable routing from the controller to the start of your light runs
Extension Cable Requirements
Maximum extension run: 30 feet before requiring a signal booster
For split runs, the total of all directions cannot exceed 30 feet
Choose between flat cable (for inside tracks) or XPLE cable (for UV exposure)
Quick Connector Protection
Chromaglow Pro connectors are not waterproof and should not be directly exposed to water. Position connectors away from rainwater, either inside the track or behind the soffit. Apply dielectric grease to exposed wire ends to reduce corrosion risk.
Installation Tips
Track Positioning
Ensure tracks sit flush or slightly proud of the fascia for consistent curbside appearance. Never install tracks where lights will be hidden behind the fascia edge.
Pro Installation Tip
RGBW lights act as signal boosters - if you're short a signal booster, you can insert a single light into a run and black it out with tape.
Error Protection
If lights are mistakenly reversed in direction or polarity, they will show blue but will NOT be damaged thanks to built-in protection.
Material Estimation
Track Requirements
Measure total linear footage needed
Add 5-10% extra for cutoffs
Plan corner pieces and end caps based on your layout
Hardware Included
All tracks come with 1/4" hex-head self-tapping screws that are powder-coated to match. Additional screws are available if needed.
Professional Support
For complex installations or custom applications, our experienced support team is available via phone, email, and live chat to help with real-time installation support. Display cases are available to help demonstrate different track options to clients before installation begins.
Planning your Chromaglow Pro track selection and installation properly ensures optimal visibility, professional appearance, and long-term performance for your permanent lighting system.