Soffit has a very important role in the design of a home exterior. It is the material that connects the roof overhang and the side of a building.

1. Product Knowledge Course
Introductory Level
VINYL SOFFIT 101

2. Soffit has a very important role in the
design of a home exterior. It is the
material that connects the roof
overhang and the side of a building.
It is most commonly used around a
building’s main roof, but can also be
used under porches, under arches or
columns, under a flight of
stairs…anywhere there is a visible
ceiling.
Objectives
______________________________
By the end of this course, you will
understand:
1. What is Soffit?
2. Soffit Materials
3. Benefits of Vinyl Soffit
4. Types of Soffit
5. Mitten Soffit Product Lines
6. Ordering and Support
Vinyl Soffit 101

3. Soffit is both functional and aesthetic.
Its functional purpose is to protect the rafters from
exposure to the elements. If rafters are exposed
to moisture, they would need regular maintenance
to replace rotting wood or cleaning mold build-up.
Soffit also helps the home breathe as part of its
ventilation system. Vented soffit helps air flow
through the vents to improve air circulation to the
attic.
Without air flow, moisture in the home can settle
on wood rafters and grow mold. Circulation helps
reduce moisture in the air and release trapped hot
air. The attic needs to be able to cycle the
moisture and heated air away from the home.
What is Soffit?

4. Its aesthetic purpose is to enclose the horizontal underside of an eave or overhang.
If there was no outer layer, rafters and wood beams would be fully exposed.
What is Soffit?

5. Vinyl
Soffit can be made in vinyl, aluminum, fibre cement, wood or steel. Based on sales volume
of homes and buildings, vinyl and aluminum soffit are the most popular. They are the most
cost-effective, the easiest to install, and they weigh less than the alternatives.
• Wood is more expensive and will ultimately rot over time.
• Steel costs substantially more than aluminum and may rust over time.
• Fibre cement is least common and the most expensive option.
Steel Fibre CementWood
Aluminum
Soffit Materials

6. Choosing vinyl over other soffit materials provides the
following benefits:
 Available as vented or non-vented
 Low maintenance; no need to paint
 Durable – resists cracking, swelling, chipping,
peeling
 Aids attic air circulation alleviating ice dams,
condensation and early roof failure
 A wide variety of colours and profiles typically
available
Benefits of Vinyl Soffit

7. Solid
If solid soffit is more of your style, no
problem - just make sure there are vents
installed to enable proper air circulation
through the attic.
It’s all a matter of aesthetics, and how the
soffit blends with the look you are trying to
achieve.
Vented (aerated)
Vented soffit, also called aerated soffit, has
perforations built in to its design. These
openings assist with air flow and reduce the
need for add-on vents shown to the right.
The entire soffit can be done with fully vented
soffit, or it could be done with alternating rows
of solid and vented soffit.
Vents
Types of Soffit

8. Vent Options
Usually found in full or center configurations. Manufacturers have
varying patterns.
Perforated Courses
Small, round holes are punched in a staggered pattern in each course.
This is the most common type for vinyl.
Lanced Courses
Rows of small slits (lances) are used in a linear pattern in each
course.
Hidden Vent
Small slits or openings are found along the channel
between each course. These are less distracting
visually.
Types of Soffit

9. Double 5” (D5)
Triple 4” (T4)
Equinox Triple 3”
(T3)
Single Beaded 6”
Mitten Soffit Product Lines

10. Double 5”
Perforated
Double 5”
Solid
Double 5” (D5)
Mitten Soffit Product Lines

11. Triple 3”
Hidden Vent
Triple 3”
Solid
Available in Frost
Triple 3” (T3)
Mitten Soffit Product Lines

12. Triple 4”
Lanced
- Center Vent
Triple 4”
Perforated
- Full Vent
Triple 4”
Solid
Triple 4”
Lanced
- Full Vent
Triple 4”
Perforated
- Center Vent
T4 perforated full vent
and solid colours. All
others available in
Frost.
Triple 4” (T4)
Mitten Soffit Product Lines

13. 6” Beaded InvisiVent6” Beaded Solid
Available in Frost
Single Beaded 6”
Mitten Soffit Product Lines

14. Ordering and Support
To order, contact Mitten’s customer service department at
1-888-MITTEN4.

15. Quiz
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