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“Soffit’ (origin: suffixus) is derived from Latin language and literally means ‘to fix underneath’. However, in architectural field, the term is usually referred to “the material that bridges the space between the siding on a house and the roofline” (Ambrose, Harris, & Stone 235). While soffits are primarily used around the main roof of a building, they can also be used under any structure with a noticeable ceiling including stairs flight, porches, columns, etc. They can be manufactured using a number of materials such as wood, vinyl, steel, fiber cement, and aluminum.
It needs to be mentioned here that the soffit is one of the most unnoticed, often ignored, component of the frontage of a home. Soffits are helpful in finishing of the overhangs, porch roofs, and eaves. However, simple soffits (mostly made of vinyl or solid wood) do not help in home-ventilation. This purpose is served when specifically-designed ventilated soffits are installed in the roofs. However, it is required that the design of the ventilated soffits is apt enough to support the whole structure. This would not only give roofs the desired durability but also a sophisticated style.
An excellent roof and soffit system has ventilation as the most significant characteristic. The provision of proper ventilation enables the working of a great mechanism for heat removal during summers and moisture minimization during winters. Roofs with no ventilated soffits naturally star to transfer heat into the rooms. This is especially observable during the hot days. As a consequence, energy bills increase. Also, roofs may also deteriorate due to the constant passage of hot air. Similarly, the maintenance of moderate temperature during winters is made possible with the installation of ventilated soffits in the roof (Worthington & Pennycook 148). The tiny perforations in ventilated soffits facilitate the passage of air in and out of the roofs. The air flow becomes better when these ventilated soffits work in combination with fan(s). The best thing is that the entire process is noiseless and discreet so that people do not have to experience venting visions and sounds. Thus, it needs to be remembered that having ventilated soffits in the roofs of homes is extremely important. They not only let the air flow constant but also give style to the home if carefully matched with the roofing and color tones (Worthington & Pennycook).
For all the above-mentioned reasons, the investment in the installation of ventilated soffits becomes critical. Nevertheless, the material of the soffits must be carefully selected so that it can support the house well. For instance, a wood soffit is usually discouraged as it may start to rot or warp with the passage of time ultimately requiring continuous painting, replacement, and scraping. When a good investment is made on aluminum, vinyl, or fiber cement ventilated soffits, one can easily get away with the payment of mounting energy bills, excessive heat, and molds and moisture. In addition, aluminum and vinyl soffits are also inexpensive as compared to other alternatives and installing them is extremely convenient due to their less weights.
Works Cited
Ambrose, Gavin, Paul Harris, and Sally Stone. The visual dictionary of architecture. Lausanne: AVA Academia, 2008. Print.
Worthington, Julian, and Bob Pennycook. The complete encyclopedia of home repair. Secaucus, NJ: Chartwell , 1986. Print.
