The Complete Guide to Soffit Boards: Types, Uses & Installation Tips

Soffit boards are a must-have for any homeowner who wants to protect their loft from water damage and pests. They’re available in a range of materials, multiple widths, and colours, and are easy to install. This makes them an excellent form of protection for your roofline and an aesthetically pleasing one, too. 

What Soffits Are and Why They Matter

An important part of the roofline system, soffit boards are the flat boards that cover the roof overhang between your home’s exterior wall and the fascia boards that run along the length of the roof. By creating a barrier, they prevent rainwater from entering the loft and causing mould or water damage. They also stop birds, rodents, and insects from getting into the roof cavity and causing damage. 

Ventilated soffit boards help air circulate in the loft space, preventing condensation and supporting temperature regulation. Lastly, they help conceal fixtures such as plumbing and electrical wiring along the underside of the roof and give your home a neat, finished look. 

Different Types of Soffit Boards

The three most common types of soffits are those made from UPVC (also known as plastic soffit boards), wood, and aluminium. Each of these has pros and cons:

UPVC Soffits

Pros

●        Strong and durable

●        Long lifespan

●        Affordable

●        Low maintenance

●        Resistant to cracking, fading, and rot

●        Available in different colours and finishes

Cons

●        Not suitable for historic or period properties

●        May warp or become brittle in extreme temperatures

Wood Soffits

Pros

●        Offer a classic look

●        Natural insulation

●        Environmentally friendly

●        Versatile

Cons

●        Require more maintenance than other materials

●        Prone to decay, rot, and pests

●        More flammable than other materials

●        Potentially more expensive in the long run

Aluminium Soffits

Pros

●        Durable and strong

●        Weather-resistant

●        Long lifespan

●        Recyclable

●        Non-flammable

Cons

●        More expensive than other materials

●        Prone to denting

●        High thermal conductivity

●        May require specialised installation

Choosing the Right Type of Soffits for Your Home and Climate

Soffit boards are intended to be part of your roofline system for decades, but there’s more to choosing the right ones for your property than colour and style.

Think about your home: Consider the age and architectural style of your home, as well as the material and colour of its façade, window frames, and doorframes. Choose a colour and style that complements these elements.

Evaluate costs: In addition to considering the initial cost of new soffits and any tools or fittings required for installation, think about ongoing maintenance costs. For example, aluminium and UPVC soffits are more expensive than wood but require much less maintenance.

Take maintenance into account: The soffits on most buildings can be difficult to reach and maintain with ease. Choose plastic soffit boards or another option that doesn’t require regular maintenance and can be cleaned easily from time to time.

Think about the local climate: Some types of soffits are better suited to certain climate conditions than others. For example, if you install wood soffits in an area that receives a high amount of rainfall throughout the year, you may find yourself spending more time on maintenance to prevent damp and rot.

Inspecting and Installing Soffit Boards

Depending on what they’re made from, good-quality soffit boards have a lifespan of 20 years or more. Use the following tips to help you decide whether you need to replace your soffits:

Consider the soffit material: Some soffit materials, such as wood, have a shorter lifespan. Check for signs of damage or ask a professional to assess them for you.

Take the age of the soffits into account: If your soffits have been installed for several years or a few decades, they might need to be replaced.

Look at the roof’s condition: If your roof is in poor condition, there’s a good chance that the soffit boards are, too.

Check the soffits for damage: Inspect your soffits for cracks, gaps, holes, splits, chipped or peeling paint, evidence of pest infestation or rotting, and leaks from the gutters. 

Installing Soffit Boards

Installing new wood, aluminium, or plastic soffit boards is a simple enough job to be a DIY project you can do over a weekend. However, for the best results, we recommend hiring a professional to do it for you. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, here’s what to expect when replacing your old soffits with new ones:

Preparation

●        Gather tools, safety gloves and glasses, and a sturdy ladder.

●        Remove the gutters and downpipes.

●        Remove old soffits, ensuring no damage to the surrounding structure or fascia boards.

●        Inspect the timber for rot or damage, treating it with wood preserver if necessary.

●        Measure the width and length of each soffit, allowing for a small gap for expansion, and cut the boards to size.

●        Install vents in the new soffits if they aren’t already vented for adequate roof ventilation.

Installation

●        Attach the first soffit board to the bearers, using capped screws or plastic-headed pins if you’ve chosen UPVC soffits.

●        Ensure there is an expansion gap between the board and adjoining surfaces.

●        Attach the soffit boards at regular intervals.

●        Join sections of soffit using soffit joint trims, ensuring there’s a gap for expansion.

Finishing

●        Use a sealant to seal any gaps between the soffits and the wall to prevent water from entering.

●        Reinstall the gutters and downpipes.

Common Mistakes

Some of the common mistakes people make when installing new soffit boards include:

●        Not checking the rafters for damage and repairing them before installing new soffits.

●        Using soffits made from poor-quality materials prone to damage, discolouration, and with a short lifespan.

●        Not allowing for ventilation.

●        Installing new soffit boards directly over the old soffits.

●        Not allowing for expansion gaps.

Ensuring Ventilation

It’s vitally important to ensure that your new soffits allow for ventilation in the roof. Make sure that your soffits support ventilation by:

●        Choosing soffit boards with pre-fitted vents or installing vents in your soffits.

●        Ensuring there is a 50mm air gap behind the cladding.

●        Installing half of the soffit vents in the soffits and the other half in ridge or gable vents on top of the soffits.

●        Inspecting soffit vents for blockages or debris and clearing them regularly.

Protect Your Home with Quality Soffit Boards

Soffit boards do more than make your home look neater; they also play a vital role in protecting your roof from pests and the elements. Turn to Home Improvement Supplies for the best quality UPVC soffits. No matter the style of your home or your preferences, we have something for you.