Home Roofing — Soffits and Why They Are Really Important for Your Home

When it comes to maintaining complete structural and aesthetic integrity of your home roofing, there are many disparate elements that come together and create the right kind of roof. There are many roof types and you need to know what exact components your home roofing is made of before you can make any changes, repairs of maintenance. Soffits are structures that are traditionally used in houses that have eaves in their roofing to create better ventilation and circulation, and protect houses from common problems that usually result in extreme heat or cold.

When it comes to roofing and installation work, there are approximately 50,000 companies within the U.S. that deal with these occupations. Over the years, there have been many advances in roof technology, and going in for routine roof inspections is the best way to ensure that the integrity of your house stays solid. Roofs can last many decades with diligent roof repair when it is called for, and a new roof can offer an ROI of almost 75%, making it a great investment. In the grand scheme of things when it comes to home roofing, soffits are a small but important part.

All About Soffits

Soffits generally connect the overhanging portion of your roof with the side of your house. They can also be used as support under arches or stair bottoms. The whole idea behind soffits is that they cover the roof eaves and prevent the rafter beams from being exposed. In doing this, they serve a twofold purpose of providing an aesthetically pleasant covering for your rafter beams, while also protecting the actual beams from weather damage. Apart from home weather protection, vented soffits also enable your house to breathe properly, preventing insulation from forming and allowing for healthy circulation of air.

Materials to Consider

Soffits can come in many material choices, and you need to decide what works best for you. The choices include –

• Aluminum – A mid range option with average insulation which is very good for wet areas. Easy to clean, aluminum soffits are durable and can last for years.
• Vinyl – The cheapest option with great insulation, vinyl soffits can come in various designs and color choices. In extreme heat, they can become brittle with time.
• Fiber Cement – A slightly more expensive option, this material is highly durable and resistant to damage. Overall, it is a great low-maintenance option.

Apart from these options, there are other choices like wood, which looks good, but does not last long, and steel, which is durable but expensive.