Roofing Ventilation: What Does the Soffit Do for Your Home?

What is a roof soffit, and how does it protect your home? Here’s a quick overview of its function: 

Where the Soffit Is Located?

The soffit board is installed under the fascia board, the long straight board your gutters are attached to and located between the roof’s eaves. Homes that don’t have overhangs don’t have soffit boards. 

How Soffit Boards Protect Your Home

Soffit boards, in a sense, help your home breathe. They have small holes that allow air to enter through the bottom part of your roof. By improving airflow and ventilation in your roof, soffit boards prevent humid air from accumulating and condensing into moisture, which can lead to mold and decay. 

Aside from providing roof ventilation, soffit boards also protect your roof’s rafters from the elements. Keep in mind that their ability to protect your roof from moisture damage depends on its material. It’s best to consult an experienced residential roofing services company about which type of soffit board is best suited to your area’s climate. In the meantime, you can refer to this quick overview of the most common soffit types: 

• Aluminum Soffits (Recommended for areas that experience a high amount of rainfall)

  • Durable and resistant to rot, chipping, cracks and moisture problems

  • Has minimal maintenance requirements 

  • Ease of maintenance 

• Vinyl Soffits
  

  • The most affordable option

  • Moisture-resistant

  • Easy to clean 

• Timber Soffits 

  • Recyclable and eco-friendly 

  • Timeless aesthetic appeal 

One more thing: Don’t forget to vet a residential roofing contractor before hiring them; this is to make sure your soffit board is installed properly. Here’s a vetting tip: The number of years a contractor has been in the industry should give you a good idea of their level of expertise. 

Looking for contractors in your area? 

Dior Construction, a company with two decades of experience, offers a wide range of professional roofing services, including asphalt shingles installation services. To request a quote, call us at (201) 472-5462 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Bergen County, NJ, as well as the surrounding communities in New Jersey.