Vented and Non-vented Soffits

Some topics, while not extremely exciting, need to be talked about. Figuring out which vacuum to buy, deciding on the right pillow to use, and how long to polish furniture all fit in that category. Another important decision that boring but extremely important in terms of saving home costs is whether or not to use vented or non-vented soffits.

The soffit is the portion of the house that sits underneath the overhang created by the roof extending beyond the home’s walls. It is usually made of plywood, aluminum, or vinyl, and it can come in various widths and designs. While choosing any of the three options is acceptable, determining the inclusion of ventilation may be the most important. The soffit, when ventilated, which usually means that a series of small holes covers the panels, allows initial air flow into the attic space to allow cooling in the summer or warmth in the winter. The air enters the space and, with the aid of attic baffles, a tubular object attached directly to the underside of the roof decking but above the insulation, air is free to enter and flow upwards.

Non-vented soffits are the same panels, but they are missing the holes, or screens that are found often in plywood soffit, that allow air into the roof. One may ask that given the value of the air flow in the attic, why would anyone choose non-vented? Some roof structures do not require the air to flow from the soffits. There are vented gables, electric vents, and attics with insulation that resides directly under the roof decking. When box or ridge vents are in place, though, the vented soffits more often are necessary.

Selecting the right soffit can result in quite a bit of temperature efficiency and financial savings. When needing a soffit upgrade or replacement, Fusion Roofing and Restoration should be contacted to provide high-quality materials and workmanship.