What do soffits do and do you really need them? The short answer is yes, except if your home doesn’t have an overhang; soffits might not be as prominent as the more visible parts of your roof, but they still play an important role in protecting your roofing system from moisture damage.
How important is your soffit? Our roofing contractors explain its function in this post.
Where the Soffit Is Located
The soffit board is found under the fascia board, the long straight board your gutters are attached to and located between the roof’s eaves.
How the Soffit Board Protects Your Home
In a sense, soffit boards help your home breathe. The holes in the soffit allow air to enter through the bottom part of your roof. By allowing fresh, cool air to enter and stale, humid air to exit your roof, soffit boards help prevent mold and mildew from forming in your roof. Remember: Damp and dark environments are the perfect breeding ground for fungi.
In addition to providing ventilation for your roof, soffit boards help protect your roof’s rafters from the elements. However, the level of protection varies depending on the material used to create the soffit. That’s why it’s best to consult your local roofers about the kinds of materials that are suited to your area’s climate.
Here’s an overview of the most common soffit materials:
- Aluminum soffits – Aluminum soffits are most suited to areas that experience a high amount of rainfall. They’re durable and resistant to rot, chipping, cracks and moisture problems and have minimal maintenance needs.
- Vinyl soffits – Vinyl soffits are easy-to-clean and are the most affordable option.
- Timber soffits – Timber soffits complement traditional exterior designs, thanks to their timeless aesthetic appeal.
To learn more about your soffit options, consult a professional contractor from an experienced roofing company.
Howard Roofing & Home Improvements, a company with over four decades of experience, offers a wide range of professional residential and commercial roofing services. To get a free quote, call us at (636) 296-1057 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in St Louis, MO, as well as the surrounding communities.