Soffits are an integral part of any home and serve several important functions ranging from aesthetics to lowering your utility bills. Here’s everything you need to know about this important feature.From the foundation to the attic, it’s essential that every part of your house is well-finished. At Chinook Exteriors, we know that the top portion of your home is essential for both safety and aesthetics. Key aspects of this part of your exterior include soffit, gutters, and fascia.
Together, these elements:
- enhance the curb appeal of your home
- ensure the function and integrity of other features of your home
- improve the energy efficiency of your home
In this post, we’ll learn more about soffits.
Everything You Need to Know About Soffits
If you’re having any work done on the exterior of your home, you’re likely to run across the term ‘soffit’. Soffits are integral to the rafters and serve several important functions ranging from aesthetics to helping keep your utility bills in check.
What is a Soffit?
There is a lot more that goes into the finishing of a home’s exterior than people realize. One of these important details is the soffit.
If your home has eaves that overhang the walls, then you probably have soffits. This is the material beneath the eave that connects the far edge of the roof to the exterior wall of your house. Additionally, soffits can also be on the underside of a porch roof.
3 Reasons You Need Soffits
One of the most common questions homeowners have about their homes is: do I really need soffits?
If your home is designed with eaves that overhang the walls – and most homes these days do – then the answer is YES.
Here are 3 simple reasons why you need soffits:
1. Ventilation
The first and foremost reason to install a soffit on your home is for ventilation to your attic and the surrounding area. This is extremely important because attic ventilation is one of the key factors that:
- keep your utility bills in check during hot weather
- prevent mould growth, wood rot, and mildew
- prevent the formation of ice dams in the winter, which could lead to water leaks
- keep humidity levels down in your attic
With soffits, your home will remain more comfortable during the hot summer months and in the winter, it prevents condensation that can result in mold growth and unwanted water leaks. Having a properly-vented soffit can protect your home from damage year-round.
2. Aesthetics
Aesthetics are secondary, but important as well. Soffits provide a finished look for your home’s exterior; without them, you would be able to see the rafters when standing on the porch or below your house’s eaves.
It’s recommended to invest in a soffit that coordinates with the rest of your home’s exterior to give your house a cohesive and polished look. At Chinook Exteriors, we offer high-quality aluminum pre-painted soffits. These are available in both plain or perforated styles.
TIP: Soffits can be any colour, but many people opt for white or a colour that matches their trim for the best look.
3. Safety
Without soffits, you would have open eaves with exposed rafters, which can attract insects and pests. Additionally, if your rafters are exposed directly to rain and snow, they’ll require more maintenance to prevent rot or moisture damage, which could affect their structural integrity and compromise the safety of you and your family.
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Soffit Installation in Calgary
Our team uses only the highest quality materials. In addition to soffit installation, we conduct eavestrough and gutter cleaning as well as fascia installation.
Want to know more?
To find out more about our customized soffit design and installation or our other services, contact our Calgary office today at 587-999-7170 or fill in our online contact form.