Why Soffit & Fascia Specification Matters in New Construction
In new construction, soffit and fascia are often specified generically — "aluminum soffit and fascia per local code" — and left to the sub-contractor to select material and installation method. This approach leads to wide variation in quality and long-term performance.
A 30-minute conversation with your soffit/fascia sub about specifications can mean the difference between a system that performs for 35 years and one that needs attention in 10.
Recommended Specifications for Florida New Construction
Material: Aluminum .019 gauge minimum; .024 gauge preferred for homes over 3,000 sq ft or in coastal exposure zones.
Ventilation: Vented soffit panels throughout, sized to meet or exceed Florida Building Code ventilation ratio of 1:150 (1 sq ft of ventilation per 150 sq ft of attic floor area).
Fasteners: Stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners only. Electro-galvanized fasteners corrode within 5–8 years in Florida's humidity.
Fascia board: If using wood fascia, specify kiln-dried pressure-treated pine or clear cedar. Finger-jointed pine is not recommended for Florida's climate. PVC or composite fascia board eliminates rot risk entirely and is increasingly standard in Florida new construction.
Installation Timeline
Soffit and fascia installation typically occurs after roofing is complete but before exterior painting. The schedule for most Florida homes:
- Day 1: Fascia board installation (if separate from framers)
- Day 2–3: Soffit panel installation
- Day 4: Touch-up, inspection, and sign-off