I’m looking for alternatives to aluminum soffits and fascia. Here almost every builder uses vented aluminum soffits for gables as well as eaves. I don’t like the look of them at all, and think they will clash with our “Shingle Style” or “Arts & Crafts” style house. I’d prefer plywood with vents (continuous or singles), but our builder thinks I’m nuts. Actually, I’d prefer tongue and groove cedar, but think it would be too expensive. Does anyone have advice on alternatives?
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http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/prodhome/hardisoffit.php
Aluminum soffit vents and T1-11.
Andy Engel
Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine
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Do you have level, boxed-in soffits? One way to do soffit vents is to drill or rout holes or grooves in a board, staple window screen to the hidden side, and nail it up. You can use black nylon screen, or copper or brass if it matches the house. If you post a picture of your house, we could help you with design ideas, or use your imagination.
Mike
Saw this option in an add for Fine Home Buildings: "Exterior Siding, Trim, and Finishes". Venting is done between the frieze and the siding.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1561586528/ref=sib_rdr_next3_ex3/103-8933002-7930214?%5Fencoding=UTF8&p=S00B&j=1&ns=1#reader-page
I built a Craftsman style house in a northern climate that was too wet for exposed rafter tails. Consequently I did a traditional soffit. I used ½" MDO (medium density overlay), good one side, along with traditional aluminum strip vents. All was primed and painted.
MDO is a plywood with a kraft paper face. It's waterproof. It is often called signboard because it is used for outdoor signs. It takes paint really well. It's not expensive.
For the fascia I used Hardie Fascia.
If you really like the tongue and groove look, you can get tongue and groove plywood. It won't look completely real, but will suggest the look. If you use it I'd suggest treating it with a wood preservative, such as Woodlife, before priming and painting.