Soffit

Soffit is the material that covers the underside of your roof's overhang, bridging the gap between your siding and roofline. Beyond its clean, finished appearance, soffit plays a key role in attic ventilation and keeping pests out of your home. Whether you're dealing with damage, rot, or planning an upgrade, Angi helps you find local pros and resources to get the job done right.

Related to Soffit Service

Soffit Service Articles and Advice
If you don’t have a space above your kitchen cabinets, you might have what’s called a soffit, the wall that fills the empty spot between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling.
Your roof’s eaves protect your home from water and UV damage. Learn more about what eaves are and why keeping them in good condition is so important.
How much soffit do I need? Use this calculator to determine what to buy for your project. Calling a pro may be necessary to get the job done.
There is a calculation for how many soffit vents you need, depending on your square footage. Discover where to install them and what happens to your attic air during winter.
Homeowners can fill a gap between their roof and wall with sealant or wire mesh. Here are three steps to help you get the project done safely.
The cost to install wood soffit depends on your roof’s size and the location of the soffit. Learn why it isn’t just the expensive materials that impact cost.
Looking to boost your home’s curb appeal and protect it from water and rodents? Learn about the cost to install aluminum soffits and what affects pricing.
Soffits play an important role in protecting your eaves and rafters from damage. Learn how to choose the right size for maximum protection.
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Common Soffit Service Questions

Many modern homes have soffits, but older ones don’t, and you may be wondering why. Older homes have eaves that extend further beyond the home and help to circulate air, negating the need for a soffit. This style of building has faded away, therefore, modern homes need separate soffit installation. Modern soffits are more efficient than this older style and require less material to construct, saving homeowners money.

There is no definite timeline for replacing soffit, though it’s good practice to check your soffit twice a year for signs of deterioration.

Some signs to look out for include:

  • Cracks

  • Mold, algae, or fungal growth

  • Rotted wood

  • Animals or rodents in the attic

  • Sagging sections

  • Chipped paint

  • Missing boards

If you spot any of these signs, it may be time to contact a professional to replace your soffit.

If you have composite, vinyl, or aluminum soffits, it’s possible to install new soffits over the old soffits, but it’s not a good idea. Paying to have the old soffits removed can cost as little as $1 per linear foot, and removal provides some distinct benefits. First, you’re less likely to trap animals up above your old soffits, which can lead to internal damage to building materials and issues with dead animals in your home. Second, removing the old soffits lets you inspect for water and mold damage so that you can correct the underlying issues before proceeding.

It’s technically possible to remove some soffit material without removing your gutters, but it’s usually a good idea to remove gutters, fascia, and soffit and then reinstall them in the opposite order. Replacing soffits without removing gutters is likely to leave you with a less professional and clean appearance, and you’re more likely to do damage to your gutters and fascia boards in the process.

Aluminum soffit is better than vinyl in every way except two—cost and corrosion. Aluminum soffits are one of the most expensive options, and although the material is extremely durable, it has a tendency to corrode over time, especially in coastal climates. Aluminum lasts longer, however, so if you price out aluminum versus vinyl on a cost-per-year basis, they may come out similar. The plus is that with aluminum, you wouldn’t need to replace your soffits nearly as often.