Soffit

The finished underside of a roof overhang (eave). Typically vented to allow airflow into the attic for proper roof ventilation.

In Detail

Soffits close the gap between the exterior wall and the fascia board at the roofline. Vented soffits (perforated vinyl, vented aluminum, or strips with vent inserts) are critical for attic ventilation — they provide intake air that exits through ridge vents. Continuous vented strips typically provide 9–14 sq. in. of net free area per linear foot. Solid (non-vented) soffits are used where ventilation is provided by other means or is not required.

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