Choosing The Best Soffit For Your Home

Until you own a home and need to look at replacing it, you might not even know what soffit or fascia is. There tend to be quite a few things that will happen with. Fortunately, when it is time to replace your soffit, there are plenty of local roofing companies like ours who can help.

What Is Soffit?

You may be wondering, ‘what is a soffit, and why should I be thinking about it?’ Like any part of your home, the soffit requires maintenance and may need to be replaced if damaged or worn down.

If you look up at your roof, the soffit is the material on the underside part of the roof overhang. Soffits are meant to protect rafters from the elements like moisture, pests, or animals like birds and squirrels. If left unmaintained, soffits can become mouldy, and you may need to replace it before it causes further damage to the roof.

There are typically two kinds of soffit, solid and vented. Although both can protect your home, solid soffit requires proper ventilation points. When you are checking or cleaning your gutters, make sure also to inspect the soffit.

Things To Look Out For:
• Cracked & Flaking Paint
• Evidence Of Condensation On Your Soffit
• Water & Other Defects In The Roof Void
• The Presence Of Animals Or Other Pests

Although it depends on how often soffit should be replaced, older homes, in particular, should be inspected, especially if it is a new to you home. It’s hard to know what sort of maintenance the last homeowners did, therefore always perform your own visual inspections when first moving into a home.

Types Of Soffit

The following list will help guide you on the different soffit material options available and which one is right for your home.

Steel Soffits

Steel soffits come in a variety of colours to suit any homeowner’s taste. Many choose steel soffit because the ventilation helps reduce cooling costs during the summer months while also preventing moisture buildup in winter. This material is very durable and long-lasting but can be costly when compared to other options. 

Wood Soffits

Wooden soffits are popular for their aesthetic appeal and colour choice. They can be polished and recycled once their life-cycle is complete. Although they bring an elegant touch to your home, they are prone to decay and will need more upkeep than other soffit options. If you go with a cedar soffit, be sure to check for rot or insect activity.

Unlike other options, wood will become softer much faster. Compared to other soffit material, wooden soffits are more expensive. Be prepared to invest if this is an option you are considering. However, if you are looking to add that personalized and sophisticated look to your home, wood soffit is a great option.

Vinyl Soffits

Vinyl is a popular option for homeowners who want a soffit material that is both easy to clean and low maintenance. Vinyl soffit is known for its affordability and clean appearance and comes in either perforated or vented varieties. You can paint them if you really want to down the road, but there is no need. Vinyl makes a great option for those who want minimal upkeep and something that will blend seamlessly with their home. Although it is quite durable, high temperatures and mould can develop over time in damp conditions. 

Aluminum Soffits

Like vinyl, aluminum soffit is also easy to clean and relatively low maintenance. Available in a variety of colours and textures, homeowners prefer this soffit option for its customizability. You may want to keep in mind that aluminum can become chalky over time. Unlike other soffits that peel over time, the colour fades unevenly, and paint upkeep will be necessary. Aluminum can be more expensive than vinyl, so it is good to keep pricing in mind if you are looking for a more affordable option. 

UPVC Soffits

UPVC stands for unplasticized polyvinyl chloride. This option is water-resistant and highly durable, resisting cracks, rot, and chipping. You can typically choose from solid, vented, and hollow. Solid is the most common choice among homeowners. UPVC is popular and known for being a relatively affordable option. It is also highly insulating.

Fibre Cement Soffit

This lightweight option comes in many colours and either straight-grain texture or cross-grain wood texture. This one is the least common among homeowners because it can become quite costly. Fibre cement resists cracking, rotting, swelling, and harsh weather. Because it is non-porous, fibre cement resists moisture and insect activity. You also won’t have to worry about chalking or paint peeling because the colour generally outlasts other soffit options.

Now that you have a better idea of what soffit is and the material options out there, you can confidently pick the right one for you. Price, durability, colour options, maintenance, and overall aesthetic appeal are all things to keep in mind. Making a list of your favourite choices and comparing them is an excellent way to help you decide. If you have a specific ‘look’ in mind, there are plenty of photos you can search online to help you bring your vision to life.