Soffit Question

[Swamp Donkey]

I am building a log home and am going to use 1x6 t&g where the soffits would go. Now I have a question about ventilation, what % of a soffit is open for air to pass by. What I plan on doing is, cutting holes in my 1x6 and stappling screen to the backside to keep bugs and birds out. Is this going to work? This is my first and last attempt at building a log home so it would be nice if I got things done right! Thanks.

 

[Huntmastr1]

Swamp,



I am in the Roofing and waterproofing business but we don't mess with the residencial end of things.

I do have a little information though.

According to a supplier brochure I have on soffit vents the 2000 International Building Code requires 50% intake and 50% exhaust.

This manufacturer states that their product provides 9 sq. in. /foot intake air flow which is needed to balance with ridge vents. You might can find out the clear area of the ridge vent you are using and just match that!

If you don't have any more luck with your question you might give them a call. 800-334-1676.



Good Luck,



Jeff

 

[Swamp Donkey]

So what you are saying is I only need as much ventilation in the soffet area as I have allong the ridge cap? That should not be too hard. Thanks for your input!

 

[Huntmastr1]

IMO that is correct

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Thats the way we always do it too. It should be balanced.

 

[Deezul1]

Swamp Donkey

Build a frame to cover the hole and install the screen in the frame and fasten to the soffit with screws so you can replace it easy when it rusts out, I replace a lot of them for people and very few do it that way so its more work to repair.

Have fun

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Originally posted by EMDDIESEL

Thats the way we always do it too. It should be balanced.

Thanks, that is a pretty good idea. Will do. Also thanks for the 50/50 advice! Who needs to hire a consultant when I have the TRD for all of my home building questions!

 

[BIG BOB]

Check with you local Building Department. In the Uniform Building Code there are specific requirement for attic ventilation. I use to be a builder however I can remember what the Code is. It's probably changed since I was building. Your better off have more ventilation than not enough. Your 50/50 should be correct however the Code will say that you need so many free flow ventilation for so many square of attic area.



I just looked it up in my 1994 Uniform Building Code and it says that you should have 1 square foot of ventilation for every 150 square foot of attic area, 50% should be in the ridge or highest point of roof and 50% should be in the soffits.



They also make a continous soffit and ridge vents, these give you the best air flow and ventilation for your attic to remove moisture.

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Thanks Big Bob,



I live outside of the regional district here in northern Canada, so I do not have to have my home inspected. (Just electrical) But I do want to do what is right and am trying to do what up to the building codes around here. The government of any type does not know I have this log home built on my farmland. It's great! I've had neighbours do the right thing and do everything through the government and it has been nothing but extra costs and greif for them. The less they know about me, the better off I feel I am. Your formula will help me figure out just how much I need.

 

[Bugman]

You might try using those cheap ( I mean 'inexpensive') louvred soffit vents from your local hardware store rather than stapling mesh over a hole. They just slap over any ol hole you cut with 4 screws, are screened with fine insect proof mesh, come in a variety of colors and only cost about two bucks each for the, um, er... ... , roughfly 18" X 9" size.



$2!!!!!!!!!!! Told ya they were cheap,



Bugman.

 

[illflem]

The type I've liked the best are the round louvred screened type. You just hole saw a 1 1/2" hole in-between each rafter in the soffet and tap them in.