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Soffits are boards used to close off the underside of common rafters when used in roof construction. Also known as soffit boards, they are mostly fixed horizontally but occasionally they can be fixed directly to the underside of the common rafter in which case they are known as sloping soffits.
What is difference between fascia and soffit?
An exterior soffit is located on the span beneath the rafter tails, while the fascia is the exposed horizontal band you see at the end of the rafters. These architectural elements found along the eave area do more than just add visual interest and give a finished look to your home.
Are soffit boards necessary?
Why does my home need soffit? Air from the soffit cycles to the vents to draw heat and moisture away from the house. Moisture is mold’s breading ground and the cause of roof rot and poor air quality. The soffit also helps keep pests from slipping into your home through the roofline or gutters and nesting in your attic.
What kind of board do you use for soffit?
Although unsanded and touch-sanded grades of plywood are often used for soffits, optimum appearance and finish performance is achieved by using panels with Medium Density Overlay (MDO), or textured (such as APA 303 Siding) or sanded A-grade faces.
What is the board under the gutter called?
The fascia board is the long wooden board behind the gutters on a house. It connects to the roof rafters, closes off the attic and serves as the mount for gutters. So, if you have damaged fascia, it is important to have it replaced. This guide will discuss how a fascia board gets damaged and how you can replace it.
Do soffits lead to attic?
Soffit vents are roof ventilation devices installed underneath the eaves of a roof that extend past the warm wall line. When properly combined with other roof ventilation devices, soffit vents allow fresh air to enter into an attic creating air flow.
What is purpose of fascia board?
The main purpose of the fascia board is to keep moisture from entering the roof and your interior. Sometimes, the fascia boards also provide support to the bottom row of tiles and slates. It also affects the overall appearance of your roof. Fascia boards give the edge of the roof a finished look.
How do soffits work?
A soffit vent is simply a vent installed into the underside of your home’s eaves (called the soffit) that permits fresh outside air to be drawn up into the attic. Cooler fresh air is drawn up through the soffit at the base of your roof and hot and humid air is expelled through the roof vents at the top.
How thick is a soffit board?
While not all soffit board sizes are the same, the width of most soffit falls in the range of 16 inches to 24 inches when used to cover the eaves of the home. In addition, standard soffit sizes feature a ¼-inch thickness, too, which can help with installation.
What is soffit board made of?
One of the most common types of materials for soffit boards is uPVC. This vinyl material has a range of benefits; not least, it is pretty inexpensive compared with other materials. Whether solid or hollow plastic soffit board, the affordability of uPVC makes it a popular choice for many homes.
What is roof soffit?
The soffit is part of the overhang where your roof meets your siding. When rain or snow hits your roof, it runs down, and the overhang allows the water to flow away from your house. The fascia is the attractive board along the side of the overhang and the roof that helps your roof appear finished.
Can you paint soffits?
To paint your home’s soffits and eaves, you’ll need to spend between 1 and 2 hours for every 25 linear feet. Before you begin, make sure the exterior has been properly prepped. That includes scraping, repairing, and priming damaged wood, and cleaning the surface thoroughly.
How do you replace soffit boards?
Soffit and Fascia Repair Remove Shingle Mold. Pry the narrow shingle mold from the fascia using a flat bar. Remove Rotted Fascia. Remove the rotted section of fascia. Remove Old Soffit. Pull down to remove the old soffit. Remove Rotted Rafter. Attach Cleat. Attach New Rafter. Seal Replacement Soffit. Attach Replacement Soffit.
Why are soffits perforated?
During the winter months, warm moist air collecting in your attic can lead to mold and mildew growth. Ventilated soffits are perforated with tiny holes that help air pass in and out of your attic space. Combined with a fan, ventilated soffits keep air flowing in the area you need it most.
What is the board behind the fascia called?
Soffit is the layer of wood, vinyl or aluminum that extends from the bottom of the fascia to the top piece of your wall board. Together, they protect the rafters from weather, moisture, and allow air to flow through soffits and vents.
What is fascia board made of?
Fascia Boards are often made from a wide range of different materials, each posing various advantages and challenges. The most common materials include wood, PVC, fiber cement, vinyl, and aluminum.
Should soffits have air vents?
Soffit vents are required to cool the attic space and help circulate air from outside. The general rule of thumb for the amount of soffit ventilation required is to have at least one square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic space.
Can you vent a dryer through a soffit?
You can vent a dryer through the soffit area as long as its exhaust vent is at least 3 feet away from any intake vents and it is capped properly to prevent any rodents from getting in.
Should you insulate soffits?
To answer simply: no, your soffits should not be insulated, and there is a chance that your insulation has been damaged by this.
