When it comes to remodeling, attic ventilation is probably not at the forefront of your mind. You are probably busy dreaming of your new kitchen—as you should be! However, attic ventilation is a vital part of a home’s comfort and efficiency. We at Hatfield Builders & Remodelers make a point to examine every homeowner’s attic ventilation because it is all too common for an attic to be insufficiently insulated. Many builders get lazy and don’t add enough insulation, or they put in too much, which restricts your home’s air flow.

Today, we are going to discuss the importance of soffits in attic ventilation and how ventilation impacts your newly remodeled home. Keep reading to learn more!

What Is Soffit?

Soffit literally means “something that is fixed underneath.” They are most commonly used underneath a home’s roof, but are sometimes used under porches or stairs. It can be made from fiber cement, wood, or aluminum and vinyl. In a house, soffit covers your beams and improves its exterior appearance. It is the best way to protect your roof’s frame and have healthy air circulation throughout your home. We recommend installing aluminum, steel, or fiber cement soffits, as they tend to fare the best in the Texas heat and humidity.

Exactly how much ventilation your home will need is specific to the configuration of your individual attic. Attic ventilation is all about striking a balance: too much can lead to moisture and energy efficiency issues, while too little can leave your home drafty and uncomfortable. Solid soffits like steel or fiber cement must have perforation or added vents, while non-solid soffits are porous enough on their own to allow adequate airflow.

Why Is Roof & Attic Ventilation Important?

Living in such a warm climate, many Texans mistakenly think that attic and roof ventilation is not vital for their home. However, ventilation is beneficial in all climates because it keeps your home’s temperature more even and reduces draftiness, while also helping to boost your HVAC system’s efficiency, which helps reduce your monthly energy bills.

Perforated soffits are particularly popular in warmer climates because they promote even air flow thanks to their uniformly cut holes. We do not recommend hand-cut holes, as they are often uneven, rendering the attempt at ventilation virtually useless.

When we remodel a home, we are always careful to inspect the roof’s ventilation system to ensure that it is adequate for the home’s individual needs. If we find your soffits to be insufficient, we will recommend a replacement based on your needs and budget.

If you have any further questions about attic and roof ventilation, or are interested in remodeling your home in the Dallas/Plano area, please contact us online!