You may have heard the term “soffit” or seen it written somewhere. But what is a soffit? And why is it important? Maybe you never notice them when you look up at the roof of your house, but they are there. They’re not the most attractive architectural element, but they do have an important job to do. Here we will tell you about their role in home remodeling and construction projects and why they are essential to any home’s design.
What Is A Soffit?
Soffits are the underside of a roof or, to be more precise, the roof overhang. Most residential roofs have a triangular top. This part, also known as the eaves or the edges, extends from the siding of your home. This extension is covered by the soffits.
Soffits are the edges of your roof that are exposed to the outside of your home. They’re usually the last part of your roofing system to be installed, as they need to fit around the other parts of your roof, like your fascia and gutters.
Soffits are usually made out of metal and are designed to protect the exterior of your home from rain and moisture.
What Is The Purpose Of Soffits?
Soffits are a critical part of your home’s structure and are designed to protect your home from water damage. Here are some of the functions performed by a soffit that makes it important.
Help In Ventilation
Some of the soffits are ventilated and thus play an important part in your home’s ventilation system. Ventilation is important in most homes, but it’s even more so in basements and attics. You need air to circulate through these spaces in order to prevent mold growth or the formation of condensation on the walls. If you live in a climate that experiences cold winters or hot summers, then soffits become even more crucial. Besides this, soffits become essential to let fresh air come into your home so you don’t get stuffy and uncomfortable.
Help Improve The Home’s Appearance
Though they are installed on the underside of your home and are hardly visible, they still play a role in improving your home’s overall appearance. Soffits improve the appearance of your home by “hiding” the stuff you don’t want to see.
They’re a great way to hide unsightly things like vents, pipes, and wiring from view, thus giving your home a finished look.
Help Keep Moisture Away
Soffits are the little parts of your home that you probably don’t think about, but they’re also pretty important when it comes to protection.
They’re the parts of your home that can help keep moisture away from your walls, which is really important when it comes to preserving the quality of your home. If you have mold growing on the walls or water damage, it’s because the soffit wasn’t doing its job properly.
Types Of Soffits
There are two main types of soffits: vented and non-vented
Vented soffits are those that are designed to allow air to flow through them, which helps with ventilation and makes for a more energy-efficient home. Vented soffits come in a variety of materials.
Non-vented soffits do not allow air to flow through them. Non-vented soffits are used when it is not possible to install a vented soffit due to the location of the attic space. Non-vented soffits are often made from plastic or aluminum.
Materials Used in Soffit
Materials used in soffits can vary, depending on the building’s needs and the builder’s preferences. Here we have listed some of the most common materials.
Vinyl
Vinyl soffits are the most popular of the lot and are made from plastic substances. These are very affordable and incredibly easy to install. These come in a variety of colors to match your home’s exterior. Not only this, but they’re also waterproof and resistant to rot and mildew; however, they can be susceptible to damage from hail and falling branches or snow loads if they aren’t properly installed or maintained.
Vinyl soffits also tend to lose their color often and thus need to be repainted.
Fiber Cement
Though these materials are very popular when it comes to siding, they are steadily finding their ground in the soffit markets. Though not as popular, fiber cement is another great option that offers many advantages over aluminum. Fiber cement is made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It’s strong and durable, which makes it great for outdoor applications. It comes in many different colors and textures, so you can find something that perfectly matches your home’s aesthetic!
Aluminum Soffits
Aluminum soffits are a popular metal option in Ohio homes. They’re also one of the most affordable options. Since these are made of metal, they do not rot and last longer.
Aluminum soffits are a great choice for homeowners who want a sleek, modern look. They are lightweight, easy to install and clean, and can be painted or stained to match the rest of your exterior siding. However, note that they can be dented and are vulnerable to rust.
Wood Soffits
A wood soffit is a type of ceiling that is made out of wood, such as cedar or redwood. It is typically used in residential buildings for a long time. This soffit is not much in use right now but can still be seen in some of the houses. Though wood looks aesthetically pleasing, they suffer from many drawbacks as well. They are difficult to maintain and are susceptible to rotting.
Install The Best Soffit In Your Home
From the above blog, it is clear that soffits should not be taken lightly as they help your home in a variety of ways.
Your home is your castle, so it’s important to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to keep it safe. You might not think about your roof and soffit much, but they are essential to the structural integrity of your home.
If you’re looking for a company to install the best soffit on the market, look no further than All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters! Our team has been installing roofs across Ohio for over decades, so we know what we’re doing when it comes to protecting homes from all sorts of weather-related damage.
Contact us now at (937) 902-2839 to get the process started.
