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Soffit vent
A soffit vent is a vent under the roof overhang that lets fresh air enter the attic.
Why it matters
Soffit vents feed the attic ventilation system. Without intake, exhaust vents cannot do their job.
Where people get this wrong
Insulation can block soffit vents if baffles are missing. Adding more exhaust without intake can make performance worse.
Real-world example
A homeowner adds a bigger ridge vent but still gets ice dams. Then they learn the soffit vents were blocked by insulation. The attic could not inhale.
Where this hits your build
This affects comfort, energy costs, and indoor air quality. It gets locked behind drywall, so decisions here need to be right before finishing starts.
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