What type of soffit is best?

While there are a lot of materials on the market for soffits, only fiber cement resists moisture, insect activity, cracking, chipping, and fading. This makes it a better material overall for your home’s exterior.

What material should I use for soffits?

Aluminum soffits are popular for many reasons. They are highly durable, lightweight, and easy to handle. If your overhangs feature irregular shapes, aluminum soffits are a great option because they are highly malleable.

What is the most common soffit material?

Many traditional homes feature fascia and soffits made out of wood and aluminum, but many homeowners today are choosing synthetic materials such as vinyl because of their durability and easy maintenance.

Should I use vented or solid soffit?

Non-vented or continuous soffit works best when your roof has narrow eaves or if you need to ventilate a large amount of attic space. Vented soffit panels are good with a wider eave and a smaller amount of attic space because they have smaller vents between solid panels.

What can you use instead of soffit?

For an attic without soffit vents, you may have the option to use gable vents instead. Typically you would have a gable vent on each end of the attic.

What kind of board is used for soffit?

Standard soffit material is 3/8- or 1/2-inch-thick exterior plywood in pine (or similar softwoods) or cedar. Common, but much less durable, is Masonite or similar fiberboard soffit, as well as much more weather-resistant fiber-cement.

Can you have too much soffit ventilation?

Dangers of Too Much Ventilation

If you have too much air circulating, your roof will collect moisture causing damages that will weaken spots and then cause leaking. During the warmer months, your air conditioner is going to kick into overdrive to keep up with the warm air that comes in from the outside.

What goes on first soffit or fascia?

The job goes smoother when you follow the correct installation sequence. First nail up the J-channel, then soffit panels, then fascia, then drip edge.

How often should soffit be vented?

Most professionals generally agree that you should have one square foot of ventilation per every 150 square feet of attic, but make sure to review your local building codes to ensure proper ventilation.

Is aluminum or vinyl soffit better?

When it comes to comparing aluminum soffit to vinyl, aluminum soffit provides better value overall. Factoring in the cost comparison, aesthetic quality, longevity and durability of these two materials, aluminum soffit tends to be the better choice for most homeowners.

Are vinyl soffits better than wood?

Traditionally, soffits were made from wood, but with modern advancements, more homeowners are choosing vinyl soffits for their durability and simplified maintenance. Vinyl soffits do not require regular painting and are available in a wide variety of textures and styles to compliment your home.

What materials can be used for the finished soffit and fascia?

Fascia can either be painted, stained or covered with a maintenance-free product like aluminum. Soffit can be wood, fiber cement or aluminum. Wood and fiber cement must be painted to keep from rotting while aluminum is virtually maintenance-free.

What is the best material for fascia boards?

Typically for fascia boards, cedar and redwood are popular choices given their resistance to rot from excessive moisture. However, if you prime and paint the fascia, then fir, spruce, and pine can also make beautiful choices from a design standpoint.

How long do vinyl soffits last?

With its durability, easy maintenance and resistance to moisture, vinyl siding will last you well over 100 years.

Can you put new soffit over old?

Yes clading over your original fascias or soffits is possible, however the original timber would have to be in a good state i.e not rotted, if it is rotted then the timber should be cut out and replaced, once the timber is covered with upvc cladding this will add a degree of protection to the original fascias.