The material you see between a roof’s eaves is what you call the soffit. It is designed to protect the rafters from different elements and prevent the growth of mould. It also helps preserve the life of the materials used for the roof. Finally, adding soffit is one of the best ways to enhance your home’s exterior.   

If you want to know more about soffits and how to use them in your home, this article will tell you what role they play and which material you should invest in. 

The Purpose of the Soffit

• Increased Appeal

If you still do not know what a soffit is, go outside your front door and look up. What you will see is your home’s soffit. Without it, you will see exposed and bare rafter beams that are not that visually appealing. Soffits come in different materials and designs. You can choose the style and colour that you want, and it will immediately change the look of your house. 

• Improved Air Ventilation

A soffit not only improves the appearance of your home; it also has practical functions. Aside from the mould and moisture prevention mentioned above, the soffit can also help improve the airflow inside your home. Proper air circulation is crucial in every home. It regulates the house’s temperature, removes all kinds of impurities, and creates an overall pleasant and safe breathing environment. 

Soffit vents allow cool outside air to enter through the base of the roof, and it also pushes the warm air out of the roof vents. 

• Moisture Prevention

Without the soffit acting as a barrier between the rafters and sheathing, moisture can immediately build up in the roof during the rainy and snowy season. It can result in the rotting or moulding of these crucial structures. Soffit helps protect your roof and everything inside it from these elements. It keeps your house in good condition and protects your lifetime investment. 

Types of Soffit

There are many types of soffits, but the two most common in the US are aluminum and vinyl. Both are easy-to-install and cost-effective options that can give you quality home protection. But which of the two should you get?

The aluminum option may be more expensive than vinyl, but it is highly durable and malleable, allowing it to fit into any space. It is water-resistant, perfect for addressing moisture problems in your home. It also does not attract dirt, and it is a non-combustible material. However, it can get dented when extreme force is applied, and it is not suitable for insulating purposes. 

Vinyl may be cheaper than aluminum, but it is the best material when insulation is your concern. If customization is essential for you, vinyl offers more options in terms of textures and grains. Similar to aluminum, this material is easy to keep clean, water-resistant, and will not rot. However, it is not as malleable as aluminum and can discolour quickly over time.  

Choose which of their benefits you need the most, but as mentioned, you can use other materials, such as wood, steel, and fibre cement for your soffit.

Conclusion

A soffit is a must-have in every home with overhangs. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes for your home. Without a soffit, your rafters will have no protection against damaging elements, and your roof might look unfinished. Invest in a quality soffit material to guarantee quality protection for your home. 

Are you looking for soffit material options to use for your house? At MCM Home Exteriors, we have different types of soffits from reputable manufacturers to match your varied needs. We can also do the installation for you. Contact us today to learn more about our offers and services.