Glossary / soffit

soffit

The finished underside of an eave or other overhang. OSFM 8160 lists underside coverings. Perforated soffit is not an ember-resistant vent.

Last verified 2026-08-23. JSON (CC BY 4.0)

Do not use as a synonym: ember-resistant vent.

Related

• eave
• covering
• ember resistant
• eaves
• sfm-12-7a-3
• The 12-foot rule
• Type X behind the covering

Where this term is used

32 guides use this term.

• Bird blocks, boxed soffit, or unvented attic
• California AB 38 seller disclosure
• Chimney spark arrestors
• Craftsman eaves under R327
• Deck railings in the WUI
• Dryer vents versus mesh
• Ember versus flame versus radiant heat
• How an intumescent vent closes

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