What's the Purpose of Soffits?

Soffits have an important role outside of the house. They protect the underside of the eaves from dampness and rotting. Humidity can cause major problems, not only in the porch but also in the attic. In fact, a canopy can be essential for a properly ventilated attic.

"Traditional attics are not air-conditioned and are not insulated, requiring air circulation to prevent overheating in the summer or keeping cold, moist air in in the winter," Larrison said by email. “During the warm months, the air rises from the vents, through the attic, and out through the rooftop vent or through the vents reasonably spaced along the roof top.”

The opposite happens during the cold months and in all seasons, this ventilation is very important. "Overheating can shorten the life span of materials, mainly roof shingles and add to energy costs, while trapped moisture creates a breeding ground for the dreaded 'M' word: mold," Larrison says. Finally, soffits help keep unwanted intruders like insects, pests and birds out of the attic, too.

Important Role that Soffits

Without soffits, this can leave your roof rafters exposed to the outside elements and would require more maintenance in order for your home`s structural integrity to stay in shape.

One of the consequences of not having soffits on your home is dangerous mold build-up. Without properly installed soffits (vented or non-vented, which depends on the structure, location, and condition of the soffit areas) you can leave your home to potentially deteriorate in the long run, especially if your home is located in a hotter climate. In this case, it is absolutely crucial to have the right roof and attic ventilation in order for the heat to escape and cool air to be drawn in.

Soffits also help to keep unwanted animals from entering your attic, however, this should not be a problem, unless your home is not maintained properly or has not been built correctly.

What Type of Soffit Is Right for My Home?

This enables our Thompson Creek roofing experts to make sure your whole roofing system is working together to maximize the life cycle and health of the roof. There are several signs pointing to a failing roof including, high energy bills, ceiling stains, shingle wear and sagging. Although soffits are made of wood and aluminum, they are often made of vinyl for durability.

Soffits may be ventless or vented for maximum roof ventilation. Continuous or non-ventilation systems work best when your roof has a narrow eaves or if you need ventilation for a large amount of attic space. Vented soffit panels are suitable for larger porches and smaller attic areas as they have smaller vents between solid panels.

What Material is Used for the Soffit and Fascia?

There are different materials used to make different types of fascia, including fiber, cement, steel, UPVC. The UPVC option is often the most cost-effective option among the others listed above due to its high strength against rotting or warping, extreme weather conditions and no need for repainting unlike wooden materials. They also help circulate indoor air as they come in vented types. They allow air to circulate around the home, but limit the passage of moisture, thus preventing moisture problems.

Filling vents in your closet should be considered an essential feature as moisture is generated on a daily basis. Simple activities such as cooking, showering, and washing clothes create moisture in the air, and if that moisture cannot escape through the vents, it collects as condensation inside your home; which will eventually lead to the formation of moisture and mold related problems.

Types of Soffit

Vinyl Soffit: This soffit is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is popular for its low maintenance requirements and durability. Vinyl soffit comes in a variety of styles and colors, offering a variety of design options.
Aluminium Soffit: Aluminum soffit is lightweight, weatherproof, and won't rot or crack. It is commonly used for porches and overhangs, and comes in a variety of shapes and finishes.
Wooden Soffit: Traditionally, wood has been used for soffit. Wooden sooffs can add a warm, natural look to a building, but regular maintenance is required to prevent rotting and insect damage. They offer excellent durability and are resistant to decay, insects and fire.
Metallic Soffit: Besides aluminum, other metals such as steel and copper can also be used to make soffite. Metallic soffit is highly durable and can add a modern, industrial look to a building.
PVC Soffit: Similar to vinyl soffit, PVC soffit is made of polyvinyl chloride and is well suited for wet environments due to its resistance to moisture.
Perforated soffit: This type of soffit has finer holes than non-perforated or perforated air, allowing for better air flow or ventilation, allowing for better ventilation. It is often used in areas where ventilation is required, such as attics or enclosed spaces.