Soffits play an important role in protecting your home from bad weather and pests.
They’re the panels beneath the overhanging part of the roof – sitting just below the fascia, which your guttering attaches to. Keeping the soffits in good condition smartens your property’s appearance but they have a practical function too, protecting it from bad weather and warding off problems like damp and mould. Soffits also help stop pests, including birds and insects, from getting into your attic space and causing damage.
Good-quality soffits can last for 20 years or more – so you may not need to replace them in all the time you live in your home. But if yours are looking shabby, particularly if they’re showing signs of rot and decay, it could be time to replace them.
Whether you need a tradesperson to fit them, or you’re an experienced DIY-er, our handy buying guide explores the types of soffits available, as well as the colours, styles, materials and accessories.
Types of soffit boards
When you start shopping for soffits, you’ll see there are a number of different types of soffits, each with their own features. Which one you go for depends on your budget, style preference and the characteristics of the property, for example, whether it’s prone to damp.
Standard
As the name suggests, standard soffit boards are generally more budget-friendly and suitable for most properties. Smart and durable, they’ll protect your roofs – especially if you don’t need additional ventilation (e.g. it’s a modern property).
Hollow
Hollow soffit boards are another budget-friendly option and because they’re lightweight, they’re also easy to handle and install. As with standard boards, hollow soffits are a good option if you don’t need extra ventilation.
Vented
A vented soffit, on the other hand, comes with vents to allow the air to circulate – so it might be more suitable if you live in a period property that suffers from condensation and damp. By keeping the attic well-ventilated, you’ll keep moisture at bay, so it doesn’t damage the roof structure or spread to other parts of the house.
Airspace Eurosoffit board
Developed by Eurocell, Airspace Eurosoffit boards combine style, durability and function. These vented boards are made from uPVC, and are designed to enhance the airflow in your attic. They’re also lightweight and easy to fit, and can be recycled at the end of their lifetime.
Utility board
Versatile and affordable, utility boards can be used for both soffits and fascias, so you could make savings through bulk deals. It’s another good option if you don’t need ventilation.
Styles
Soffits add a neat edge to your roofline – and you can choose from three styles, outlined below. Again, much of it comes down to personal preference.
Smooth
Sleek and versatile, smooth fascias look good on most property types. Choosing a material like uPVC also means they’ll be easy to care for and will last for decades.
Woodgrain
You could also opt for uPVC soffit with a woodgrain in either a traditional or contemporary style to add flair to your home. It’s the perfect choice if you like wooden soffits but prefer the easy maintenance and durability of modern materials.
Vented
Vented soffits are not just practical, the vents can enhance the visual appeal of your property too. They come in a variety of shapes and colours, which can match or contrast with your soffit boards.
Soffit material
While timber soffits were once the norm, they’ve increasingly been replaced by uPVC because it’s durable, cost-effective and easy to maintain – as well as being attractive. Wood is still used but bear in mind that it can warp and rot over time and needs to be treated to improve longevity which isn’t always practical because of the height.
Other types of materials include aluminum and steel, which provide a cool contemporary look but they’re generally more expensive.
Soffit sizes
Soffits come in different sizes – so you can find the right one for your roof. At Eurocell, our boards are 5m in length and can be cut to fit, while widths range from 100mm to 605mm. The width you need depends on the distance between the fascia and wall of your property. Working with an experienced tradesperson can ensure you get the measurement just right (and avoid an expensive mistake).
Soffit colours
White soffits offer a bright crisp finish, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. But, with a choice of colours now available, you don’t have to stick with white. Instead, you could colour match it to other features like windows and doors, or even create a striking contrast. Anthracite grey, grey hues and black, for instance, add a contemporary feel, while woodgrain effects in brown gives you a more traditional look.
Accessories
Vent
While some soffits come with built in ventilation, you can also add your own vents to boards that don’t have them already. These vents tend to be either circular or rectangular, and come in a variety of colours to either blend or contrast with the soffit. They’re practical but they can also be a feature in their own right.
You can fit them yourself if you’re experienced and confident – otherwise, ask a reputable tradesperson who’ll ensure they’re spaced, cut and fitted correctly. Poor fitting could lead to vents becoming loose over time and/or letting unwanted moisture and insects.
Board clip
Board clips are used to attach your soffits to the roof, and provide a neat trim. They can be cut to size and come in a variety of colours to match your boards.
Panel joint
Also known as a H-trim or soffit H-joint, a panel joint connects your boards to create a watertight and clean finish. As with board clips, you’ll find a range of colours to match your boards.
Choosing the best soffits
The best soffits are the ones that suit your property, budget and style.
Modern boards come in a range of styles, materials, colours and finishes – all of which can protect your home and improve its appearance.
Wood is popular for a classic look, while aluminum and steel are more contemporary – and both have their benefits and drawbacks. uPVC, on the other hand, offers the best of both worlds. Wood effect finishes are attractive like traditional timber but are easier to maintain and long-lasting. Or, if you prefer a contemporary feel, go for Anthracite Grey or Grey boards and accessories. Finally, it’s also worth looking at any guarantees offered by suppliers, like our own 20-year guarantee against cracking, warping, or discolouration.
View our full range of soffit boards and accessories.
