Installing soffit under a porch looks great aesthetically and also protects your home and roof from the elements. Soffits are an attractive addition to any porch that also helps with ventilation. The benefits of learning how to put up soffit yourself are endless. Whether it’s for structural safety or overall appearance, learning how to install soffit panels is a fairly simple DIY job. Keep reading to learn how to install soffit under a porch in your home.
What Is Soffit?
Soffit is the exposed siding underneath a roof’s overhang. It can be used as an exterior or interior architectural feature. The material connects to an exterior wall and the edge of the roof under the eaves. Since it’s located on the underside of a roof, its aesthetic value goes unnoticed from afar.
This doesn’t mean that soffit isn’t important.
Soffit keeps a steady airflow going between your home and attic. It has the same purpose under a porch. Soffit outlining the roofline helps reduce mold and moisture buildup.
It also protects your home from elements like extreme temperatures, rain, or snow. These types of occurrences can cause water damage to the inside of your roof.
Soffit is usually the same design or color of your home’s window choices or siding. It can be made from vinyl, aluminum, or wood.
How to Install Soffit Under a Porch
Before you start learning how to install soffit under a porch, take the time to lay out the material.
Observe the patio area to ensure there’s an appropriate distance between the soffit’s fascia side end and the wall transition on the exterior. Determining this measurement shows how many soffit board widths are needed.
Fascia is the area of your siding that is above the soffit. This is usually an exposed board that is part of the roof’s overhang.
Using a material like vinyl beadboard soffits makes installation easy. Vinyl beadboard panels lock together on one side and can be nailed down on the other. These soffits are similar to others but are easier to install if you have a lack of tools or skills.
Following the same outline should result in enough soffit width to adjust for the difference in the framing of the home and a porch roof.
Laying the Planks
Now you’re ready to lay the board planks. Start with the exterior wall and work toward the fascia. The soffit plank’s edges should be aligned with the porch trusses. If they are, nail the boards to the trusses.
Stagger the butt seam joints wherever the end of a soffit board meets another. These should be separated by one or two gaps. You shouldn't see boards with two butt joints in the same consecutive truss.
And there you have it. Your soffit is installed and you now have better airflow.
Soffit Done the Right Way
If you’re learning how to install soffit under a porch, odds are you need a guide.
At Soffit.com, you can read helpful blogs and resources to get the job done right the first time. Regardless if you’re a rookie or a seasoned vet, soffit can add tons of appeal to your home.
Whether it's for aesthetic, maintenance, or functionality purposes, soffit is an important addition. Keep reading our blog for more information and start learning more about how to put up soffit today.
