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Soffit Vent Types
Soffit Vent Types Include Continuous and Individual Soffit Vents
By Mark J. Donovan
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A soffit vent system works in
tandem with roof vents to provide attic ventilation. There are a number of
soffit vent types to choose from. Soffit vent is available in long and
narrow continuous strips that run the entire underside length of roof eaves.
In addition, soffit vent is also available as individual circular or
rectangular vents. The individual soffit vent types are placed in between
the rafter bays, again, on the underside of roof eaves.
Soffit vents typically have a
screen attached to them to prevent insects from working their way into your
attic. |
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Individual soffit vents come in
various sizes, but most commonly in rectangular or circular shapes. Typically
rectangular individual soffit vents are 4-8” in width and 14-22” in length so that
they can easily be installed in between roof rafters. Circular soffit vents have
diameters ranging from 1-8”, and again are installed by drilling holes in the
soffit and inserting the circular soffit vents into them. Continuous length
soffit vents are commonly found in 4” widths and 8 foot lengths.
| An attic vent system should have a 50/50 ratio of soffit
vent to roof vent to work properly. Many builders actually suggest up to a
60/40 ratio of soffit vent to roof vent. To calculate the necessary amount
of attic vent required for a particular sized home or attic, see my
Attic
Ventilation article.
Continuous soffit vent types are
ideal for narrow roof eaves, however they can used on any roof eave. They
should be installed the entire length of the roof eave soffit. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
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They can be a little tricky to
install because typically two people are necessary. Sometimes they are
installed in the middle of the roof eave, and other times they are installed
in the very outer edge of the roof eave.
Individual soffit vent types are
easier to install due to the fact that only one person is required. All that
is necessary is either a jig saw or hole saw blade to cut the opening, and a
screw gun to attach the soffit vent. |
| Some older homes may not have soffit vents. Take a look
around your roof eaves to determine if your home has soffit vents. Again,
you should see either a long continuous perforated strip running the length
of the soffits or evenly spaced individual soffit vents running the length
of the soffits. If you do not see any, or only a couple individual ones add
additional ones. Inadequate soffit venting could result in ice dams, wasted
energy being spent on air conditioning during summer months, and shortened
roof shingle life. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
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Related Attic Information
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