Installing a new metal roof that needs that perfect, finishing touch? When you’re looking to achieve the ultimate sleek, modern appearance of a metal roof, you can’t skip over metal soffit panels. It’s the small details, such as soffits, that complete your roofing system for a truly refined looking roof.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we proudly manufacture quality metal roofing and siding panels in over 100 custom colors. In addition, we manufacture all the accessories you’ll need to successfully complete your roofing project, including soffit panels. Given that we are experts on roofing, we are able to guide you through each part of the roofing system so you’ll know exactly what a roofing system requires.
Soffit panel T-8 Plankwall in Distressed Wood
In this article we will cover:
- What Are Metal Soffit Panels Used For?
- What Are The Types Of Metal Soffit Panels?
- Metal Soffit Panel Sizes
What Is A Metal Soffit Panel?
Metal soffit panels are most commonly placed on the underside of the eave of a roof that connects the roof overhang with the side of a building. However, soffit panels can be used anywhere that has a visible ceiling including porches, columns, and flights of stairs.
The soffit panels serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They enhance the beauty of the building while also serving as extra weather protection to the structure.
What Are Metal Soffit Panels Used For?
- Ventilation
- Protection
- Aesthetics
- Alternative Uses
Soffit Panels Provide Roof Ventilation
Metal soffit panels allow ventilation as they cover a portion of your attic space. By providing airflow to the heat that builds up in your attic from the sun, the soffits help to keep humidity levels in your attic down. Without proper ventilation, built up humidity in the attic could lead to many issues including:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Wood rot
- Increased energy bills
Single Pass Vented T- Groove Panel
Metal Soffit Vent Strips
Metal soffit vent strips are rows of small holes on the panel that provide ventilation by allowing the soffits to create an airflow system. The outside air is able to enter the attic at the lowest point of the roof, which keeps heat and humidity from building up beneath the metal roof.
Western States Metal Roofing can make soffit panels with either a single pass, where air flows through once, or double pass, where air flows through twice, vent strips depending on your preference.
Soffit Panels Protect The Structure Of Buildings
Soffit panels protect a building by creating a barrier that keeps out water, debris, insects, rodents, and anything else that would cause damage to your structure.
Without this added protection, moisture can get inside your roofing system and cause water damage that can lead to the same issues mentioned above regarding proper roof ventilation including mold and wood rot.
Having the additional protection of metal soffits benefits you and your home. Wood that gets exposed to water and rots needs to be replaced which is a costly and inconvenient repair. Mold anywhere in your home is a health hazard.
The use of soffit panels helps prevent moisture damage and other issues from happening.
Metal Soffits Give A Finished Look To Roofs
Soffit panels are the final touch on a roof to give it a clean, finished appearance so it looks good from all angles. The metal soffits cover truss or framing and keep your beams from being exposed which further enhances the beauty of the roof.
Additional Uses For Metal Soffit Panels
Builders and designers have recently become more creative and developed additional purposes for these panels which include:
- Wainscoting
- Ceiling
- Accent Walls
For more creative ideas on how to use the panels, check out this video:
What Are The Types Of Metal Soffit Panels?
- Flush Soffit Panels
- Rigid Soffit Panels
- T-8 Plankwall
Flush Metal Soffit Panel
T-Groove® Flush Wall in Black Ore Matte
A flush metal soffit panel, such as T-Groove, is a concealed fastener siding panel. These panels are flat in appearance and can be customized to have different sized reveals.
Rigid Soffit Panel
Western Wave in Black Ore Matte
Rigid soffit panels, such as Western Wave, are concealed fastener panels that can be installed vertically or horizontally. These panels are also sometimes known as Wave panels as they feature a wavy appearance. The waves of these panels make the panel stronger, as deeper corrugations add to panel strength, and offer a unique appearance.
T-8 Plankwall
T-8 plankwall is a metal panel designed to look like wood, that has many uses including being used for soffit applications. This panel is a great idea to use when looking to achieve a wood look but spend less money and have less maintenance in the future.
What Is The Price Of Metal Soffit Panels?
The typical price range of metal soffit panels when the metal industry is stable is $2.00- $4.00 per square foot for material.
Expect the current price ranges to be higher than what is listed above until the steel shortage stabilizes. To find out more about pricing in 2021, please watch the video below:
Metal Soffit Panel Sizes
Metal soffit panel sizes are customizable depending on what your project requires. Lengths are available from 3′ up to 35′, and the panels can be installed vertically or horizontally.
How Wide Are Metal Soffit Panels?
Metal soffit panels come in widths of 8” to 20” but most are 12” or 14” wide.
What Gauge Steel Should I Use For A Metal Soffit?
The most common thickness of a metal soffit panel is 24 gauge. It can be made in 22 gauge if you prefer a more durable steel, but there’s a lot less availability and color selection when using a thicker steel.
Find Your Favorite Metal Soffit Panel Color
Soffit panels increase protection, functionality and curb appeal which makes them a must when installing a new roof.
Western States Metal Roofing offers soffit panels in over 100 custom colors in a variety of different profiles. Check out our extensive soffit panel collection in our color resource center.
