Learn more about the role and importance of soffits in building design.
What Is a Soffit?
Function and Purpose of Soffits
A soffit serves two primary functions: Aesthetics and protection.
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Aesthetics
Soffits cover the bones of the roof that overhang the side of a building.
Protection
The most crucial function and purpose of a soffit is to protect your home.
Less obvious but equally important is the ventilation that the soffit provides to your attic.
A vented soffit prevents superheating by providing constant airflow through theattic space.
Attic fans are a great way to maximize the amount of airflow in an attic.
Fans can also be mounted in the gable to blow air out while protecting the roof’s look.
A properly covered eave will protect the wood from the elements, which can cause moisture damage and rot.
Vented soffits allow airflow throughout the attic.
There are different types of vented soffits, each utilizing a different means of ventilation.
Continuous vs.
Inspect your soffit from the attic to ensure it isn’t covered by insulation or other objects.
Soffit vs. Fascia: What’s the Difference?
As previously mentioned, a soffit sits horizontally beneath the eave and covers the bottom of the rafters.
A fascia is the verticaltrim materialthat is attached to the end of the rafters.
