Soffits are an important part of a building’s ventilation and insulation system. They are the horizontal elements that run along the underside of an overhang, such as the eave of a roof, or the underside of an archway or rake. Regardless of their exact location on the roof, soffits always abut the fascia. Broadly speaking, they come in two categories, ventilated and non-ventilated.
In a well ventilated roof in the DMV, hot air rises and is expelled through the roof vents, and simultaneously fresh air is drawn in through the soffits. A ventilated soffit includes small perforations or vents to allow for air flow. These very small openings help regulate temperature, reduce moisture, prevent mold and mildew growth, and can dramatically increase the lifespan of your roof. Ventilated soffits shouldn’t necessarily be universally used. For example, if there isn’t enough surface area on the soffit, ventilation will make no difference.
Conversely, non-ventilated soffits help with insulation by providing a sealed barrier between the attic and the living spaces of the home. This helps to prevent air, pollen, and outside pollutants from entering the attic. This can help with controlling energy bills and improve indoor air quality. Non-ventilated soffits are typically used in areas where proper ventilation is not required, such as in enclosed attics or in areas where the roof overhang is not large enough to provide adequate ventilation. They can also be used in combination with other ventilation systems, such as roof vents or gable vents, to provide additional insulation.
Soffits aren’t purely functional though, they can also be an attractive design element. They can be finished with a variety of materials, such as wood, vinyl, or aluminum, and are available in a range of colors and styles to match the aesthetic of the building.
Regardless of which type you have (or what mix of types you have) soffits play an important role in a building’s ventilation and insulation system. When properly installed, they can aid your HVAC system, help to regulate temperature, reduce moisture, and prevent pollutant infiltration into your home. Over at Comfort Solutions, we don’t do much with roofing, but being in the area for as long as we have, we have built some relationships with people that provide the same quality of service that we do within their field.