Installing soffit is an important step in building out the exterior of a home. Whether it’s a new home being built from the ground up or an older home that’s due for renovations, getting the right materials can help the project take off without delays.
While there are a few standard soffit dimensions, getting the right size will depend a lot on the type of project being completed. Not all soffit sizes are best for all tasks. Get to know how soffit board sizes are related to project type and determine the right size of soffit for your next build!
The Importance of an Accurate Soffit Size
Many residential homes feature a roof extension that creates a slight overhang. The underside of this overhang, also called the eave, is where soffit can be installed. While some older homes feature open eaves, most modern homes are designed to have the eaves covered by soffit, mostly because soffit can perform a large role in energy efficiency, ventilation, and protection from the elements and other threats from the outside, like rodents.
Getting the right soffit size is absolutely crucial if you want the soffit to perform its best and last for years to come. If the incorrect soffit size is used during installation, there can be gaps and overlapping areas that pose big problems down the line. For example, gaps near the soffit can disrupt ventilation in the winter, leading to the formation of ice dams along the building’s eaves. As snow heats up along the roof, it melts, trickling down to the soffit, at which point it refreezes because the soffit is much cooler than the attic space. The significant buildup of ice dams can even lead to moisture leaking into the walls of the home, which is never good.
Likewise, poorly installed soffit can disrupt proper ventilation in the summer, too. Having the correct soffit size installed properly can help reduce gaps and provide a better fit along the eaves, which can ultimately improve ventilation and help reduce heat buildup in the summer months.
Standard Soffit Dimensions for Eaves
Lots of builders are used to working with 4x8 soffit board, though this popular choice isn’t the only one out there. 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.
In some areas, building codes have a maximum permissible span that is allowed for the soffit, so it’s always a good idea to double-check local building codes when designing a home with wider eaves. Adhering to building code regulations is essential to avoid fines, detours, and wasted materials during the construction process.
In addition to covering the eaves of a home, soffit is also used in other areas where overhangs are included in the architectural design. When installed near the roof, choosing the right soffit board sizes with built-in ventilation is key. In other areas, such as an overhang above a doorway or a porch roof, ventilation may not be as important.
Custom Soffit Board Options
When working on a custom building project or a residence that features a lot of varied architectural features, it can be practical to have an abundance of soffit size options on hand instead of just the standard soffit dimensions. Allura features a range of soffit options, including 12-foot soffit board sizes, which can be useful for large projects, like porch roofs. Besides beadboard, which is sold with a ⅚-inch thickness, all of the soffit products are sold with the convenient ¼-inch thickness.
In addition to picking up the right soffit size for the project, there are other features that builders should consider, including the finish. Allura offers a wide selection so homeowners can choose from traditional wood grain style finishes and smooth finishes. Allura also offers the choice between ventilated soffit, smooth soffit, and beadboard. This diverse collection of soffit sizes and styles allows homeowners to create custom looks that complement their home’s exterior to perfection.
Once homeowners have decided on the soffit board sizes, soffit ventilation features, and the surface finish of their soffit, they can then consider what color will look best for their home. The great news about color selection is that Allura comes in over 24 colors, and the soffit is already primed and sealed for painting after installation, in case homeowners want to change the color down the line.
Contact the soffit and siding experts at Allura today for more information on the best soffit options for your home.
