Available in different materials, soffits add style and character to your home. Indeed, these components are an integral part of the appearance of your home. For fascias and soffits for your home you need to choose the best options there.
The criteria for choosing the soffit for your home
What is a soffit?
The soffit is an essential part when designing a roof. Its main functions are:
Aeration
The soffit ensures that your home is well ventilated, as the air in the attic circulates well. In winter, the accumulation of humidity is avoided if the temperature rises in relation to the interior of your home, thus reducing the risk of mold. The soffits also reduce the formation of ice in the attic.
Protection
The soffits mainly protect the eave structure from climatic hazards. Their installation is therefore essential to avoid insects, animals and water infiltration. Choose a rigid and strong material for long-term protection.
Aesthetics
Basically used for their functional aspect, soffits enhance the look of your home and are part of the finishing work. They come in various materials and colors.
How do you choose the right soffit for your home?
Opt for PVC soffit if you live in an area with harsh winters. Indeed, this material is weather resistant and retains heat. PVC also has a better lifespan compared to wood. Less subject to expansion and contractions, this type of fascia is resistant to shocks. On the other hand, it has good flexibility as well as excellent thermal stability. Not requiring repainting, PVC soffits are also easy to clean.
A soffit is essential in the design of the roof of your home. Located under the roof edge, the soffit often takes the form of perforated aluminum foil to allow ventilation. Positioned horizontally, it is supported by profiles fixed in the building structure and covers the area of the eaves, between the edge and the facing.
Made of wood, aluminum or PVC, the soffit decorates the surroundings of your home, while allowing better ventilation. The leaves that compose it are not installed in their length, but cut and laid side by side. The sides of the soffit are made to interlock with each other, which is quite handy as it eliminates the need for nails to fasten them together.
Before the appearance of the soffit, the underside of the cornice of houses was closed with plywood or other panels, which prevented ventilation of the roof. Since then, the soffit has revolutionized homes thanks to its multiple functions.
What is a soffit for?
The soffit provides 3 essential functions: ventilation, protection and aesthetics. As you can imagine, the ornamental aspect is not the primary purpose of a soffit. Its essential function is ventilation, as it allows air to circulate freely throughout the roof.
This prevents the temperature from rising under the structure and reduces drying out of the roofing shingles. A ventilated roof will prevent mold growth and the appearance of musty odors. To be optimal, the soffit ventilation system must have an inlet and an outlet. But don’t worry, the holes that compose it are designed so that no insect can enter or build its nest.
