How much does soffit cost, and how is it priced?
Short answer. Soffit is usually priced by the linear foot of eave or by the square foot of panel, with vinyl the least expensive, aluminum in the middle, and wood or fiber cement the most expensive once installation and painting are included. Total cost depends on how many feet of eave the house has, how deep the overhangs are, and how high the work is.
Material comparison
- Vinyl: the most common choice for Georgia homes. Inexpensive, available in solid and vented panels, never needs paint, but can sag or warp near heat sources and in dark colors.
- Aluminum: stiffer than vinyl, holds up well, and comes prefinished. Costs more than vinyl but is still budget friendly.
- Wood or plywood: traditional on older homes. Material is moderate, but painting and periodic repainting add ongoing cost, and it rots when kept wet.
- Fiber cement: durable and paintable, with more labor to install.
Estimating your eave length
Soffit runs along every eave and often up the rakes. A simple 40 by 50 foot ranch has 180 feet of perimeter, and real homes with porches, garages, and bump outs have more. Overhang depth matters too: a 24 inch overhang uses twice the panel area of a 12 inch one.
Other line items
- J-channel or F-channel trim to hold panels.
- Fascia wrap, if the fascia is being covered at the same time.
- Removing old soffit or covering it, which affects ventilation.
- Gutter detach and reset.
Ventilation counts
Choosing vented panels where the attic needs intake costs little extra and pays off in a healthier attic. Make sure any solid wood behind new panels is opened up, or the vents do nothing. See roof ventilation basics and gutter sizing, seamless gutters, and guards.