Skip to content
Soffit is a funny name, but it’s based on the French word for “a thing fixed underneath.” And this is exactly what it does; it’s the underbelly of a roof, where any overhang, such as a roof, uses a soffit material as a board affixed underneath it.
A soffit is one of the most neglected but ultimately important parts of a roof. This is why soffit and fascia installers, like Woodbridge Home Solutions, feel that it’s a good idea to educate homeowners about what it is and what it does for your home.
Contents
Why Do You Need a Soffit?
The soffit isn’t just decorative; it has a function. Mainly, it’s to ventilate your attic. It does this by passive ventilation, as soffits have vents or “holes” that allow air to cycle in and out. Doing so keeps things in your attic dry and prevents warm, humid air moisture from promoting rot and mold growth.
One advantage of a soffit’s ventilation method is that it’s normally present along the entire roofline, not just on one side. Other passive ventilation methods for the attic, such as gable or hood events, only ventilate in one area. This means that some parts of your roof may already be rotting, and you won’t even know it. A soffit, by contrast, distributes ventilation evenly.
Are There Other Types of Soffit?
There are several types of soffits, depending on the material. Woodbridge Home Solutions, your roofing and replacement windows contractor, offers vinyl for soffit, which makes for durability and resistance to water. Aluminum is cheaper but less durable, while wood is often more expensive and susceptible to rot and decay.
The soffit also comes in two varieties: non-vented or vented. The first is excellent for ventilating large attic spaces, while the second is great for smaller attics.
Woodbridge Home Solutions is one of the area’s most reliable pros for roof and replacement windows. Contact us today if you’re interested in getting started with exterior home improvement. Our installers are happy to visit for an in-home consultation and provide you with a free estimate on your project.
