A soffit is a portion that stays underneath the overhang of your roof. You can install it in your bathroom as well.
It comes with long-ranging benefits. If you plan to install a soffit in your bathroom- you must know which one is perfect: solid or vented soffit.
For a bathroom, you need a soffit with air ventilation. Here I will show you the differences between solid and vented soffit.
You will know which one is best for your bathroom when you complete reading this article.
A Quick Comparison Table
Soffits are mostly made from three things: plywood, aluminum, and vinyl, and come in various sizes. You can use any of these three components to customize your soffit.
Solid and vented soffits are- made from the same components. The only physical difference is vented soffits have holes throughout the panel, but solid ones don’t. The main difference is in the benefits they offer.
Here I will show you the key differences between solid and vented soffits in a table. You can have a quick idea about how they work differently from one another.
| Aspect | Solid Soffit | Vented Soffit |
| Increased Air Circulation | No | Yes |
| Attic Ventilation | No | Yes |
| Heating & Cooling Cost | Increases cost | Reduces cost |
| Control Moisture Buildup | No | Yes |
| Air Quality | Lower | Higher |
| Price | $1- $3 | $4.45 |
Key Differences Between Solid And Vented Soffit
Vented soffits have a series of small holes covering the entire panel; it allows airflow into your attic and keeps a space cool in summer and warm in winter. Solid soffits do not have small holes.
You can use them where additional airflow is not required.
As you are looking for soffits for your bathroom, you should carefully select the right type. I will discuss the prime differences between these two soffits in this section. You will know every detail that you should know while purchasing the right one.
So, let’s go deeper and see what differences they offer.
- Increased Air Circulation
Proper air circulation is a must for your home and especially for your bathroom. The bathroom is more- encased than the rest of your home.
If you want to install a soffit, it should be the one that offers more air circulation.
As vented soffits have small perforations, it naturally increases the air circulation in the attic area. On the other hand, solid soffits seal- off the attic space from fresh air.
That means air becomes trapped inside and grows stale. Stagnant air inside your bathroom can cause several problems.
- Attic Ventilation
Vented soffits will ensure adequate airflow in your attic. It will reduce any risk of your roof becoming overly heated. Vented soffit panels alone can serve as the sole medium of air intake.
No matter which material you use on the rooftop- it can become overheated. Vented soffits can come in handy in this case.
On the other hand, solid soffits do not have perforations- it does not help much in attic ventilation; it can turn bathroom air stagnant. It will make air- trapped in your attic, which can damage and reduce your roof’s lifespan.
- Heating & Cooling Cost
A poorly vented attic can increase the climate control cost for your home.
As solid soffits trap the air inside, you might have to use your air conditioner more frequently to keep your house cool in summer.
Surely it will increase your energy bills.
On the contrary, vented soffits offer excellent air circulation throughout your home.
It allows enough airflow and effectively keep your home cool on summer days and warm in winter.
You do not have to take much help from your air conditioner. As a result, your electricity bills reduce significantly.
- Control Moisture Buildup
There are many added benefits of vented soffits. Proper airflow through your attic and adequate air intake can reduce moisture buildup.
As air moves around your house, damp areas will dry up fast. Your bathroom is the wet space in your home, and with the help of vented soffits, it will become dry sooner.
Lingering moisture can create significant damage to your roofing. A solid soffit increases the risk of it.
Your bathroom roof can become damaged- real quickly if you install non-vented soffits. They can make your roof rot and warp damaging the whole structure.
- Air Quality
Air quality is very crucial for your home. The chances of many diseases drop significantly- when you inhale healthy air.
On the contrary, you might suffer from a series of them because of poor air quality. Excessive moisture can increase the humidity, turning your home into a breeding ground for molds and pollutants.
With vented soffits, you will have proper airflow in your home. It will not allow any moisture buildup. But solid soffits can be a reason for allergy, rash, and many other diseases for you.
- Price
Vented soffits are pricier compared to solid ones. It can cost on average $4.45 per linear foot. On the other hand, non-vented soffits can cost you between- $1 and $3.
The price of a soffit depends on the material they are- made. Aluminum-made soffits will cost you higher than vinyl ones. Vented ones are expensive, but they come with tons of benefits.
This video can help you a lot to understand the differences between the two.
Which Soffit Is Best For Your Bathroom?
Now you know all the differences between solid and vented soffits. You do not have to be a scientist to understand that a vented soffit is the best option for your bathroom.
It has all the features you need to install on your bathroom roof.
Vented soffits will keep your bathroom insulated. At the same time, it will ensure adequate air intake and proper airflow. Moisture buildup is a big problem for any bathroom. Vented soffits will protect your bathroom from it. Plus, it will keep it dry and crispy.
You can choose solid soffits if air circulation is not your concern. They come- cheaper than vented ones. So, if you plan to install it in places where air circulation is not necessary- go for a solid one. But for bathrooms, you must use vented soffits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As vented soffits have small holes in their panels, they are suitable for smaller attic space. A vented soffit is the better option if you need adequate air circulation and proper airflow.
Soffits are- made from many materials but aluminum ones are the most popular. They are long-lasting and lightweight. You can easy to handle them. Again, vented soffits are best for air circulation and airflow.
It is alright- to have non-vent soffits if you use them somewhere air ventilation is not so important. Some places do not require air circulation- you can use solid soffits there.
You have to put vented soffits underneath your roof. Place them evenly around the bottom lower side of your roof. Spread them throughout your rooftop.
Conclusion
Soffits are used underneath your roof to insulate your home. They play a vital role in keeping your home at the right temperature. That is why you have to understand solid or vented soffit– which one is best for your home.
I hope you have gathered the necessary information from my article. You should be able to select the best soffit for your bathroom as well as your entire home.