Soffit
In its broadest sense, the term ‘soffit’ can be used to refer to the underside of any construction element, such as an arch, architrave, or projecting cornice. However, most commonly it refers to the underside of the eaves, that is, the underside of the part of the roof that projects beyond the external wall of a building.
Typically soffit boards will be fixed to the underside of projecting rafters to form the soffit, whilst fascia boards are fixed along the vertical faces of the rafters forming a fascia. In combination, these elements help to ‘seal’ the roof at its edges. However, they may include small openings to allow ventilation of the roof void, helping prevent the accumulation of moisture which could result in condensation and cause the roof to decay.
Soffits are traditionally constructed from timber, however, a wide range of other materials may also be used, including metal cladding, UPVC, vinyl and composite materials.
Inside buildings, the term soffit may refer to any portion of a ceiling that is lower than the rest of the ceiling. This can be used as an accent in rooms for decorative reasons, or in rooms with high ceilings to make the room feel smaller. They can also be required to conceal structural beams, plumbing elements, heating/cooling ducts or light fixtures.
In classical architecture, the soffit can be decorated with ‘tooth-like’ blocks used in a close repeating pattern, known as ‘dentils’. In the Doric order, rectangular blocks were commonly hung from the soffit of the cornice over the triglyphs, known as ‘mutules’.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Arches.
- Architrave.
- Barrel vault.
- Bas-relief.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Corbel.
- Cornice.
- Cornice coving and architrave definitions.
- Definition of ceiling.
- Elements of classical columns.
- Entablature.
- Fascia.
- Fillet.
- Frieze.
- Integrated service module.
- Moulding.
- Pedestal.
- Pediment.
- Pilaster.
- Types of ceiling.
Featured articles and news
Types of domestic heating systems.
Will the way we heat homes change when winter comes ?
Extended reality in a post-pandemic world.
Can XR technology be leveraged in design & construction?
Or are you capping.
STEM ambassadors needed for ICE CityZen award.
Digital gaming competition for UK students aged 16 to 18.
Heritage protection in England vs Australia.
Fire doors and the Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
Three-quarters of fire doors fail inspections
UN International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22.
The role of geoparks, biospheres and world heritage sites.
BSRIA conference 2022, June 23.
Just one month to go ! Find out more here.
Restoring Broadbent’s Bath House
A new gallery for the University of Huddersfield.
Corruption in the construction industry.
What will it take to stop it ?
To celebrate world bee day 2022 !
Just one month until the changes to part L come into effect.
Not forgetting part F and the new part overheating part O.
Heat Pump demand rises by one quarter.
As energy prices jump up in cost.
With people in the UK from Ukraine.
Industry leader Steve Murray takes on role.
An abundant and versatile building material.
How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
600,000 heat pump installations targeted per year by 2028.
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.
ICE debate Public transport - post pandemic.
How has transport changed due to Covid-19 ?
Cross-ventilation in buildings. Do you have it ?
Will you need it ? after June 15 and the new Part O ?
Share your knowledge with the industry.
Create an account and write the first of many articles.