What material is used for soffits?

What material is used for soffits?

While soffits and fascia are traditionally constructed from materials like aluminum and wood, many homeowners are now choosing ones made from synthetic and composite materials like UPVC and vinyl because they offer easy maintenance and durability.

Is vinyl or aluminum soffit better?

Aluminum soffits help to conceal any imperfections better than vinyl. This is partly because of the soft nature of aluminum. It makes it easier to work with and fit into the earmarked space. Aluminum soffit has a high durability, especially in the absence of impact damage.

What is the cheapest soffit material?

Vinyl
Vinyl is the lowest cost soffit option, yet it is durable. UPVC is a type of plastic material that is easy to maintain and install. Aluminum is low maintenance and comes in many colors. Wood soffits are most often found on older historical homes.

Can I use plywood for soffit?

plywood are often used for soffits, optimum appearance and finish performance is achieved by using panels with Medium Density Overlay (MDO), or textured (such as APA 303 Siding) or sanded A-grade faces. Top-quality acrylic latex house paint systems perform best and are the only systems recommended for A-grade faces.

Does a roof need a soffit?

Why does my home need soffit? Air from the soffit cycles to the vents to draw heat and moisture away from the house. Moisture is mold’s breading ground and the cause of roof rot and poor air quality. The soffit also helps keep pests from slipping into your home through the roofline or gutters and nesting in your attic.

How long does aluminum soffit last?

Wood, and vinyl can become faded, and look as if the sun took a personal disliking to it after only a few years, while aluminum colors are baked in, and once installed will continue to look great and protect your home for up to 20 years.

What thickness plywood is used for soffits?

Standard soffit material is 3/8- or 1/2-inch-thick exterior plywood in pine (or similar softwoods) or cedar. Common, but much less durable, is Masonite or similar fiberboard soffit, as well as much more weather-resistant fiber-cement.

How thick should soffits be?

While not all soffit board sizes are the same, the width of most soffit falls in the range of 16 inches to 24 inches when used to cover the eaves of the home. In addition, standard soffit sizes feature a ¼-inch thickness, too, which can help with installation.

What is the purpose of a roof soffit?

Functionally, the basic mission of soffit is to protect rafters from the elements. Keeping moisture away from the rafters reduces the chance of mold, and helps preserve the life of the materials. Aesthetically, soffit is an easy way to add character.

What does soffit mean in construction?

A soffit is an exterior or interior architectural feature, generally the horizontal underside of any construction element. A structure to fill the space between the ceiling and the top of cabinets mounted on the wall is also called a soffit, as is the material connecting an exterior wall to the edge of the roof under the eaves .

Should you choose aluminum soffit or vinyl material?

Soffit and fascia comes in several materials including wood, vinyl, and steel, all of which have their benefits, but for a long-lasting, low maintenance, and easy install, many homeowners prefer to go with the tried and true endurance of aluminum .

What size plywood for soffits?

Soffits are generally made from AC plywood, the thickness depends on your soffit framing, and the distance the soffit will be spanning. If your soffits are narrow, and the framing is on 24″ centers, then you could go with 3/8″. AC ply. But for soffits that are 2ft wide or more, I’d recommend 1/2″.

How much does soffit and fascia cost?

HGTV says you should be prepared to spend about $20 to $30 a linear foot if you were replacing your soffit and another $15 to $25 a linear foot if you were replacing your fascia.