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BENEFITS OF SOFFIT VENTILATION FOR ROOFS
The soffit vent is a small opening that allows air to flow out of the attic and into the atmosphere. These soffit vents are typically found on the outside wall or roofline of a home, but can also be found in unfinished areas such as attics and crawl spaces. There are many benefits to installing these vents, including reducing energy costs by improving ventilation and preventing moisture buildup from trapping heat inside your home.
At any given moment, unseen forces like moisture, mold and animals are hard at work trying to destroy your home from within. But no need to worry—that’s where soffit vents come in. These vents are particularly important because they protect the interior of your roof and attic, which are often out of sight and therefore out of mind.
What Is a Soffit Vent?
A soffit vent is a device that is installed underneath the eaves of a roof that allows for fresh air to get into the roof. These vents are visible on the underside of the eaves. They create a continuous flow of fresh air throughout the roof and attic, which protects against moisture.
What Is the Difference Between Eaves and Soffits?
Eaves are the part of the roof that extend past the edge and hangs over the ground. Soffits are vents installed within these eaves to allow airflow.
What Is the Difference Between Fascia and Soffits?
The fascia is the board that runs along the side of the overhang and is typically there for aesthetic purposes. It’s essentially a trim, although it does provide some support to the shingles.
What Are the Benefits of Soffit Vents?
Soffit vents preserve energy, lengthen a roof’s lifespan and prevent moisture problems like mold and mildew.
Reduces Energy Consumption
A good, consistent flow of fresh air throughout the roof and attic will better prevent heat from escaping the home. This helps the A/C and heating units work less, which means you reduce energy consumption and therefore lower your energy bill.
Increases Roof Lifespan
Poor attic ventilation is one of the biggest reasons a homeowner might need to replace their roof early. Proper ventilation will increase the lifespan of your roof by ensuring your attic is getting the fresh air it needs.
Prevents Black Mold
While it may seem strange that allowing cold air in the winter into your attic can improve insulation, the fact is that this fresh air helps ventilate moisture created in the interior home from activities like heating and showering and all the other things people do. This further prevents toxic black mold from forming by starving it of moisture. This process also helps remove moisture in the summer as well, moving hot air out of the attic.
Things to keep in mind about Soffit Vents
Soffit vents are an important part of your roof ventilation system
They help to circulate air and keep the attic space cool
In hot weather, soffit vents can help reduce the load on your AC unit
Soffit vents should be installed in every attic space
If you have gable vents, you may not need soffit vents
If you have a cathedral ceiling, you will need soffit vents
Soffit vents can be installed in new construction or retrofitted into an existing roof
There are many different types of soffit vents, so choose the one that is best for your needs
Soffit vents are easy to install yourself, but you can also hire a professional if needed
Is Soffit Ventilation Necessary?
Soffit vents are necessary in most cases where a home has gable or hip roofs. They can also be used in cathedral ceilings, but this is not as common. If you have a soffit vent system, it’s important to make sure that the vents are clear and open in order for them to work properly. If your soffit vents are clogged or not working correctly, it’s time to replace them and ensure that your roof’s ventilation system is working properly.
What Are the Downsides of Soffit Vents?
Soffit vents don’t hold up well against animals and the elements.
Vulnerable to Animals
Raccoons, bats, and other types of critters can tear off the soffit screens to get into your attic and set up shop. As a result, you should inspect them regularly for damage.
Risk of Damage to the Roof
Because moist air can collect under soffits, they can risk damaging your roof as well as any siding in the general vicinity over time. Watch for signs of damage and contact a professional if you are concerned about moist air build-up.
May Suck Moisture Into Attic
Soffit vents are intake vents, which means if they are positioned near an exhaust vent, it may suck moisture into your attic and cause damage.
False Vents
Some older homes have soffit coverings underneath the eaves, but they are installed directly over wood and there’s no actual vent there. You can determine if this is the case by removing the panel to see if there’s an option.
TYPES OF SOFFIT VENTS
Individual
This is probably the most common type of soffit vent. They fit between joists under your eaves. They’re called individual vents because it is just one vent all by itself, perhaps with a gap separating it from other individual vents.
Continuous
A continuous vent runs along the entire underside of the eaves to maximize the amount of air the vents pull in.
Perforated
These vents are simply perforated vinyl siding that resemble regular vinyl siding, except with tiny holes. They’re particularly good for keeping animals out.
Circular
These vents are less common because they don’t work as well as other types of soffit vents. Because of their circular shape they may look like lights installed underneath the eaves, but they are vents.
Can You Have Too Much Soffit Ventilation?
It is possible to have too much soffit venting. Soffit vents are intake vents, and therefore they need to be balanced out by exhaust vents. If your home is seriously out of balance between soffit and exhaust vents, your soffit vents could be allowing moisture build-up.
When do I replace it?
If you notice that your soffit vents are clogged or no longer opening and closing correctly, it’s probably time to replace them. You should also consider replacing your old soffit vent with a new one if you have recently replaced the siding on your house. This will help ensure proper ventilation for both the look and function of your home.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
The soffit vent is a small opening that allows air to flow out of the attic and into the atmosphere. These soffit vents are typically found on the outside wall or roofline of a home, but can also be found in unfinished areas such as attics and crawl spaces. There are many benefits to installing these vents, including reducing energy costs by improving ventilation and preventing moisture buildup from trapping heat inside your home. 
Soffit vents are necessary in most cases where a home has gable or hip roofs. They can also be used in cathedral ceilings, but this is not as common. If you have a soffit vent system, it’s important to make sure that the vents are clear and open in order for them to work properly. If your soffit vents are clogged or not working correctly, it’s time to replace them and ensure that your roof’s ventilation system is working properly.
Circular