What's The Purpose Of Roof Soffits?

Soffit boards are located under the fascia board (the long straight board your gutters are attached to) and between the roof’s eaves (the roof edges that hang over one side of your home). They have two important functions: they protect your roof’s rafters from the elements and help ventilate your roof and attic. 

Soffit boards prevent water from reaching your roof’s rafters, the wooden beams that form the base for your roof’s decking that supports the weight of your roofing shingles. Without soffit boards, water can easily infiltrate your roof and damage its structure. 

Keep in mind that in order for the soffit board to do their job, they need to be made of materials that are durable enough to withstand the local climate. Popular soffit materials include vinyl (which is easy to clean and water-resistant), aluminum (which is durable and rust-resistant) and timber (which can add a sophisticated sense of elegance to any exterior). To learn more about your options, consult local roof replacement contractors. Since they’re familiar with the local climate, they can make better recommendations. 

Vented soffit boards that allow warm, humid air to exit and fresh, cool air to flow into your roof and attic. Without adequate ventilation, warm air is trapped inside your attic, creating a damp environment that’s the perfect breeding ground for mold that can easily affect other parts of your home. 

What Are the Other Components of Your Roof Ventilation System? 

Exhaust and intake vents, along with the soffit boards, are the main components of your roof’s system. As a general rule, there should have a square foot of roof vent for every 300 square feet of ceiling space for attics with a vapor barrier and a square foot of roof vent for every 150 square feet for attics without a vapor barrier. 

Important note: keep in mind that more roof ventilation isn’t necessarily better. That’s why, if you think there isn’t enough ventilation in your attic, it’s best to consult an experienced roofer. 

Punum Roofing of Houston, Inc., a company with over two decades of experience, offers a wide range of professional roofing services. To get free roof estimates, call us at (713) 466-4447, or fill out this form.