In Plain English
Quick Answer
The underside of the roof overhang — the horizontal surface visible looking up under the roof edge.
Definition
Definition
The horizontal underside of the roof overhang (eave) that spans between the exterior wall and the fascia board. Soffits are typically constructed from vinyl, aluminum, wood, or fiber cement panels and are often perforated or vented to allow outside air to enter the attic for ventilation. Proper soffit venting is paired with ridge venting to create continuous attic airflow.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
Soffit appears in both the roofing and exterior trim scope, which creates scope-gap risk at bid time if the GC does not clearly assign it between the roofer, framer, and siding sub. Material choice and venting requirements drive the cost, and because soffit ties directly into attic ventilation, an estimator must coordinate it with the ridge-vent scope so the assembly is priced as a complete system rather than disconnected pieces.
Example
Example
During scope review, the estimator notices the soffit could fall to either the siding sub or the roofer, so the bid explicitly assigns vented aluminum soffit and fascia to the siding sub to close the gap before the GC issues addenda.
See Also
Related Terms
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Which subcontractor's scope includes the soffit?
It varies by project; soffit may sit with the roofer, the siding or exterior-trim sub, or the framer depending on material and construction. This ambiguity is a classic scope gap, so estimators should explicitly state who carries soffit and fascia in their bid to avoid both double-coverage and uncovered work at buyout.
How does venting affect soffit cost?
Vented or perforated panels cost more than solid ones and must be coordinated with ridge or other exhaust venting to achieve required net free area. Continuous-vent details add labor over individual vent inserts. Estimators should price the vented system the specs call for, since attic ventilation is a code-driven requirement, not an option.
How is soffit quantified in a takeoff?
It is measured by linear foot of eave run multiplied by the overhang depth, or directly by square footage of the underside surface, with returns and corners added. Fascia is typically counted as linear feet alongside it. Material type, vented versus solid, and finish determine the unit price applied.
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