It is true that soffits an essential part of a building, are hugely important. However, as well as neatening the appearance of a home or office by linking the roof edge with the exterior wall, they can also serve more practical purposes. One area where they make a valuable contribution is in the ventilation of the house, but the extent of the contribution it makes depends very much on a combination of need and type.
There are some clear points to be addressed when deciding on the right type for the particular needs of a house. First and foremost is the size of the attic living space in question, while the panels themselves need to allow the air to move freely through the attic. So, the question falls on whether a regular panel should be used, or a panel with continuous soffit vents be chosen or if a vented panel be the right option.
Of course, there are other considerations too, though more aesthetic in nature. For example, it is vital that the colour and style of the boards complement the particular fascia boards that they will meet. After all, the whole idea is that the roofing is properly sealed off, protecting the rafters and roofing from the elements, but not with an overall patchwork effect accomplished.
The differences between the three options are not so vast. By choosing a regular panel, one effectively makes no change to the system as it exists. If upvc panels are chosen, there is a question mark of whether they can provide any benefits at all as the plastic prevents any air from passing through them. Timber panels are able to breathe better, therefore allowing a certain amount of heat to escape, though in terms of free flowing air, they do not do much to aid in the situation.
Because of their position, there is always going to be a certain degree of airflow sweeping through from one end of the attic to the other. When there is a strong air movement, the air needs somewhere to escape to take the dull, stagnant hot air away. Obviously, the solid panels are simply not ideal for this situation and, in fact, block the movement of air, keeping the whole atmosphere inside stale and uncomfortable.
The result is to have an interior climate that is hard to live or work in, and an increased risk of poor health for those inside. With a limited amount of air set to escape, especially when a skylight in the attic roof is opened, the problem does not seem so bad, but all in all, it is not an ideal situation when compared with the alternative. That alternative is to have a free flowing passage of air to ensure the attic is properly ventilated at all times.
The great advantage of opting for vented panels or panels with vents in them is that just such a continuous flow can exist. However, even in this respect there are differences to consider, the chief one of which is that continuous panel vents are usually used in roofs that have narrow eaves. The joist that will hold up the panels may only be around 16 or 17 inches in width, so the wider panel is not suitable.
Of course, the continuous panel vent is the most ideal in a situation where the area of the attic is large, and requires more that the average amount of ventilation. The design includes long narrow stretches of perforated panels that can encircle the house completely. Besides the fact that these panels can fit onto the narrow joist, it also means that the roof will have an entrance and exit point for the air at every possible position.
In contrast, vented soffits are larger in size and so are suitable only for the wider eaves. They are basically regular solid panels but the soffit vents are cut into the panel and occupy a much smaller area. This is ideal for attics that are small and do not require a large air flow. They can be highly effective, maintaining a fresh atmosphere in an attic bedroom or study, for example, without any need for a pricey air con.
And even if the fascia boards around the house are golden oak in colour, the same colour soffit panel is available, keeping the appearance unified and stylish too.
There are some clear points to be addressed when deciding on the right type for the particular needs of a house. First and foremost is the size of the attic living space in question, while the panels themselves need to allow the air to move freely through the attic. So, the question falls on whether a regular panel should be used, or a panel with continuous soffit vents be chosen or if a vented panel be the right option.
Of course, there are other considerations too, though more aesthetic in nature. For example, it is vital that the colour and style of the boards complement the particular fascia boards that they will meet. After all, the whole idea is that the roofing is properly sealed off, protecting the rafters and roofing from the elements, but not with an overall patchwork effect accomplished.
The differences between the three options are not so vast. By choosing a regular panel, one effectively makes no change to the system as it exists. If upvc panels are chosen, there is a question mark of whether they can provide any benefits at all as the plastic prevents any air from passing through them. Timber panels are able to breathe better, therefore allowing a certain amount of heat to escape, though in terms of free flowing air, they do not do much to aid in the situation.
Because of their position, there is always going to be a certain degree of airflow sweeping through from one end of the attic to the other. When there is a strong air movement, the air needs somewhere to escape to take the dull, stagnant hot air away. Obviously, the solid panels are simply not ideal for this situation and, in fact, block the movement of air, keeping the whole atmosphere inside stale and uncomfortable.
The result is to have an interior climate that is hard to live or work in, and an increased risk of poor health for those inside. With a limited amount of air set to escape, especially when a skylight in the attic roof is opened, the problem does not seem so bad, but all in all, it is not an ideal situation when compared with the alternative. That alternative is to have a free flowing passage of air to ensure the attic is properly ventilated at all times.
The great advantage of opting for vented panels or panels with vents in them is that just such a continuous flow can exist. However, even in this respect there are differences to consider, the chief one of which is that continuous panel vents are usually used in roofs that have narrow eaves. The joist that will hold up the panels may only be around 16 or 17 inches in width, so the wider panel is not suitable.
Of course, the continuous panel vent is the most ideal in a situation where the area of the attic is large, and requires more that the average amount of ventilation. The design includes long narrow stretches of perforated panels that can encircle the house completely. Besides the fact that these panels can fit onto the narrow joist, it also means that the roof will have an entrance and exit point for the air at every possible position.
In contrast, vented soffits are larger in size and so are suitable only for the wider eaves. They are basically regular solid panels but the soffit vents are cut into the panel and occupy a much smaller area. This is ideal for attics that are small and do not require a large air flow. They can be highly effective, maintaining a fresh atmosphere in an attic bedroom or study, for example, without any need for a pricey air con.
And even if the fascia boards around the house are golden oak in colour, the same colour soffit panel is available, keeping the appearance unified and stylish too.
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