What is a Soffit Vent?
What Do Soffit Vents Do?
Soffit vents help to circulate fresh air around the roof cavity, enhancing ventilation in your loft. This circulation of fresh air prevents the creation of stagnant moisture, which can turn to black mould. Overall, soffit vents can help to prolong the life of your roof and other building components.
What To Know About Soffit Vents
Whilst soffit vents are self-explanatory, there are a few factors that may help you better understand the role of soffit vents and their importance.
Placement
As mentioned above, soffit vents are located in the soffit, which sits just underneath the eaves of your roof. They should be evenly spaced, to allow for a uniformed inflow of outside air.
Intake and circulation
Soffit vents allow for the intake and circulation of fresh outside air into your roof and loft. As the fresh air enters, it circulates the stale air around the space and then back out of the vents – or up out of your roof vents - keeping the space fresh and clean.
Need to be kept clear of obstructions
Soffit vents should be kept clear of obstructions, such as debris and insulation materials, to enable them to do their job properly. Inside, there should be adequate clearance around each vent to allow the air to flow freely from the outside in.
What are the Benefits of Soffit Vents?
Temperature regulation
A soffit vent helps to regulate the temperature in your loft throughout the year. In winter the flow of outdoor air helps the loft to ventilate any moisture caused by day-to-day living, such as showering, cooking and heating. In the summer, natural airflow helps to clear the loft of hot air, helping to protect your roof and surrounding area.
Improve air circulation
Soffit vents help to improve air circulation and therefore air quality within your loft space. They pull in fresh air which then pushes stale air upwards and out of the roof vents.
Moisture control
Moisture in your loft can lead to the development of mould and wood rot. Soffit vents help to prevent this by promoting active air circulation around the space and keeping the loft dry.
Cost-effective
Soffit vents are one of the most cost-effective methods of keeping your loft and roof dry and free from moisture. Alternatives, such as air conditioning units can be expensive to both buy and run.
Prolong the life span of the roof
Keeping your loft dry and free from mould and rot, will inevitably help to make the loft and roof building components last longer, and protect the integrity of your home.
Installing Soffit Vents
If you do not already have vents in your soffit, then you may be considering installing some to protect your home. Whilst we could recommend employing the services of a professional to install your new soffit vents, you can try to fit them yourself.
- Calculate the number of vents required: you first need to establish how many vents you need. The supplier/manufacturer will be able to advise you on the number of vents you require.
- Choose your soffit vent: soffit vents come in various shapes and colours, for example, here at National Plastics we offer round vents in a variety of colours including white, black, brown, caramel, and grey.
- Identity location points: Considering the roof’s size and layout and the number of vents recommended by the manufacturer, mark out the location of each vent – remembering to space them equally around the roof line.
- Cut openings: Using a saw, carefully cut openings for the vents in the soffit.
- Install soffit vents: Fit your chosen vents securely into the opening you have just created, ensuring it fits snugly.
- Seal edges: You need to ensure that the vent is airtight, so only air you want going into your home is allowed in. You can do this by sealing the outer edges of each vent with caulk.
Explore Soffits With National Plastics
To find out more about National Plastics range of soffit vents, as well as its comprehensive roofline collection, call our friendly, expert team today 0800 22 77 77.
