Soffit Vent

A soffit vent is defined as an intake ventilation opening installed in the soffit panels beneath the roof overhang to allow fresh outside air to enter the attic space. Soffit vents work in conjunction with ridge vents or other exhaust vents to create continuous airflow through the attic. For balanced ventilation, the net free intake area at the soffits should equal or exceed the net free exhaust area at the ridge. Continuous soffit vents provide 9 square inches of net free area per linear foot, while individual rectangular vents typically provide 50 to 65 square inches each.