Often overlooked yet crucial, your homes soffit plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your home against various intruders, ranging from mold to wildlife like squirrels. Beyond their decorative transition from the roof to the exterior walls, the soffit and fascia serve a practical function that extends beyond aesthetics. But what exactly are soffits? They encompass any material comprising the underside of various house components, including ceilings, stairs, and cornices. While older homes might feature soffits for decorative purposes, modern structures utilize them to conceal elements like structural beams, HVAC ducts, plumbing or outdated soffit & trim. Our focus today is on exterior soffits, the more common type situated on the roof's overhang, precisely at the edge of the eave. Eaves, the overhanging part of a roof, consist of two primary components: fascia, the outer vertical cladding to which gutters attach, and the soffit, the horizontal cladding or framing that encloses the eave's underside.
Capping exposed wood is crucial to shield it from the elements, preventing decay, moisture damage and ensuring long lasting structural integrity. Typically, you would utilize capping on window & door trim, on fascia board trim, garage door trim and possibly as customized corner post options. Consider updating your homes soffit replacement during any new siding repairs.