It’s likely that your home has soffit. You can walk up to your front door and gaze up towards the roofing. The thing that connects the roof’s overhang with the building’s side? That’s soffit.
The term “soffit” originates in the French language and refers to “something that is fixed beneath.” It’s typically utilized around the building’s primary roof, but it can also be found beneath porches, in arches or columns, beneath the stairs… basically any structure with an apparent ceiling. It’s usually made from vinyl and aluminum and also wood, fiber cement and steel.
In this post, we’ll concentrate on soffit’s main purpose — roof overhang.
Soffit serves as both an aesthetic and practical role in a roofing system. It’s the layer that covers your eaves without it, you’d be able to see your rafter beams completely exposed. Put soffit on top of it in the design and color you prefer and adds instantly and easily personality to your building.
In practical terms, soffit shields your rafters from the elements. If the rafters are exposed to the elements in the wrong places, you’ll have a build-up of mold and decaying beams that need to be replaced and that isn’t a great way to spend a relaxing (or inexpensive) spring. Additionally the presence of mold in your home isn’t healthy.
Additionally, soffit helps your structure breathe. Ventilated soffit allows air flows through vents to ensure regular air circulation in your attic. The flow of air is crucial for the entire house. If you have lanced-style vents (like the vented soffit we provide the customers we serve) you will be able to achieve the optimal air flow while restricting the moisture that may be able to enter the vents.
If solid soffits are more your taste, then no problem but make sure you’ve got vents to allow adequate air circulation in the attic. In addition, for each of the soffits that you put in it is possible to install a vented soffit to ensure that airflow is maintained.
Imagine the possibility of having your eaves tightly sealed instead. In the summer heat your attic could draw in (and retain) heat. The sweat that is dripping off your face? It’s probably due to the heat in your attic However, it is also possible that you are taking a look at your high energy bill too.
In winter precipitation and snowfall could eventually cause moisture accumulation which would then cause you to see mold and/or rotting in your sheathing and rafters.
In the end, you must let your attic circulate water and heat away from your home. Soffit provides the best popular and convenient method of protecting your roof’s frame and ensure air circulation that keeps your structure in good condition..
If you’re not considered a candidate for soffit installation for a particular reason, such as the fact that the building doesn’t have eaves recommend you to ask an expert to inspect your attic and provide custom ideas to improve air circulation.
Which Type of Soffit Should I Buy?
Based on the volume of sales of buildings and homes throughout the US Aluminum and vinyl soffit are undisputed winners. They are efficient to manufacture and install, as well as the easiest to put in and weigh less than their counterparts. Let’s look at both the benefits and drawbacks of vinyl and aluminum:
Pros of Aluminum Soffit
- A malleable material, great for blending into different space.
- Very robust and durable. Does not chip, rot or break.
- Non-combustible, in the event in case of fire.
- Clean and easy to maintain It is not a magnet for dirt.
- Water-resistant. Ideal for humid areas.
Cons of Aluminum
- It is higher priced than vinyl. If you’re covering an extensive area, the cost of aluminum will increase.
- Dents can be made when enough forces are applied.
- It is not as insulating as vinyl.
How do you feel about vinyl?
Pros of Vinyl Soffit
- It is the most affordable choice.
- Ideal material to insulate your home.
- The most common are various textures and grains. The more you can customize the appearance you desire.
- It won’t turn to rot. It is quite resilient to cracks and chipping.
- Waterproof. Ideal for areas with high moisture.
- Clean and easy to maintain.
Cons of Vinyl
- More susceptible to being affected by the heat. It is more likely to discolor as time passes.
- The skin can break down if exposed to sunlight regularly.
- Can develop mold in damp climates.
- Not as malleable and flexible as aluminum; harder to bend, cut and fit into a variety of spaces.
- Some vinyl that feels like it is a less expensive appearance product.
What about the other material?
People who decide to have soffit that is made of materials other than vinyl or aluminum typically base their choice on the aesthetics. Why?
The cost of wood is higher and will eventually decay as time passes. However, I’m personally a big fan of wood as it is like a natural, timeless piece. It gives a wonderful warmth. If you opt to put in wood soffit make sure you are prepared for the cost and time to change the panels in time. Also, don’t forget put in vents to circulate air!
Steel is much more durable than the other options, such as aluminum. Certain suppliers also offer steel soffit available in a range of colours. Steel is just around 25-40% more in price than aluminum, however, it could be an excellent choice to choose your soffit.
Fiber cement isn’t as common and is among the more expensive alternatives for soffit, however there are some suppliers who offer panels with a variety of wood grain patterns, vents, and colors.
