Roof soffits are good for ventilation and give a nice finish to your roof. But do you know how many and what type of soffits are good for your roof?
Today, our champions are here to give you a breakdown on soffits. After you finish reading, you’ll understand:
- What is a soffit and what does it do?
- What’s the use of soffits?
- Does your roof need it?
All of this will help you make the correct choice for your roof.
What Is A Roof Soffit?
A soffit is a crucial part of your home’s exterior. We see it in homes that have overhanging eaves. Technically, it’s a material that joins your roof’s boundary and exterior wall. Some people also use it below their porch and even just for decoration.
Soffit comes in the form of a board, usually made from vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Other than improving the look and feel of your roof, it does a lot more. Let’s understand why homeowners prefer soffits.
What’s The Use Of Soffits?
These can be your additional ventilation units, keeping moisture and warm air outside.
It’s a new-age way of circulating all the air that reaches the attic.
- When the airflow is good, moisture doesn’t become an issue in the attic. This prevents mold and fungus from growing in that area.
- When the attic is sufficiently ventilated, you don’t have to worry about ice dams.
- Mold, pests, moisture, and ice dams further lead to roof damage. So, soffits ultimately extend the life of your roof.
Isn’t it a pretty touch with huge payoffs? But sadly, soffits aren’t made for all types of roofs. It fits only under the eaves and porch. For a better understanding, let’s see whether or not your roof needs soffits.
Image Source: atlantacommercialroofingcontractors.com
Does Your Roof Need Soffits?
If your roof has overhanging eaves, then the answer is yes.
- Soffits go well with fancy and artistic roofs. For example gable and dutch roofs.
- If you have a front porch, it would look unfinished without a soffit.
- Without these vents, the rafters are always at risk. Especially during storms, rain and snow.
So, if you’re living in wet and cloudy areas like South Jersey, you definitely need it. Let’s talk about the types of soffit that are popular in your area.
Best Types Of Soffit For Home In South Jersey
Pick vents that help you in weatherproofing your home and complement the look. Fiber cement is the strongest material, yet vinyl is common in the area. You can choose from solid and vented soffits.
Vented
These are pretty appropriate for homes. There are built-in air vents, cut precisely. This means you don’t have to measure and space them on your own. These are best for wide eaves and porches.
Solid
Also called continuous soffits. You can use them for decoration and where there’s no need for vented boards. These are good for narrow eaves and need to ventilate the whole attic space.
How Many Soffits Vents Should You Install?
To figure this out, you will need to check your city code. If it mentions any rules related to roof soffits, you’ll need to keep those in mind.
We would recommend you ventilate one square foot per 150 square feet of the attic. From this, you can calculate how many vented soffits you need. Nevertheless, your roofing contractor will take care of every detail, rule, and regulation.
At Champion Exteriors, we are more than happy to take you through. Since 1936, we’ve been serving in Hainesport and nearby areas of South Jersey. Our excellent craftsmen are known for building perfect roofs.
You can call us at (609) 845-3576 for a free consultation. You’ll love what we have to offer.