Your roof’s soffit boards are a vital component of its ventilation system. They have holes that allow fresh air to enter your roof and are located under the fascia board (the long straight board that provides support for your gutters).
Sully-Jones Roofing, your trusted residential and commercial roofing contractor, elaborates more on the function of the soffit board below:
What Soffit Boards Are For
As mentioned earlier, soffit boards, along with air vents, help ensure your roof and attic are well-ventilated and protected from moisture damage. Without adequate ventilation, warm, humid air can’t exit your roof, creating a damp environment that’s the perfect breeding ground for mold and increasing the strain on your HVAC system.
How Much Roof Ventilation Does Your Home Need?
In general, there should be a square foot of net free area (NFA)—the area through which air can pass through— for every 300 square feet of floor area for attics with a vapor barrier. And if your attic doesn’t have a vapor barrier, there should be a square foot of NFA for every 150 square feet of floor space.
Keep in mind that more roof ventilation isn’t necessarily better. That’s because installing too many or too few exhaust or intake air vents can disrupt the airflow in your attic. If you’re not sure if your roof is adequately ventilated or are considering adding more vents to your residential roof replacement, it’s best to consult an experienced roofer.
How Soffit Boards Protect Your Roof’s Structure
In addition to providing adequate ventilation, the soffit board also protects the rafters that form your roof’s structural support. That’s why it’s important to choose a soffit material that’s durable enough to handle the local climate. To learn more about your soffit options, consult an experienced roofer.
Sully-Jones Roofing, a company with nearly 70 years of experience, offers a wide range of professional roofing services, including multi-unit residential roofing and commercial roofing services. To schedule a free inspection, call us at (619) 444-0150 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in San Diego as well as the surrounding CA communities.