soffit/fascia

[jb]

I need to get the exterior finished up. The soffit/fascia area needs boxed in and I don't know what kind of wood to use. The other cabin on property was done in wood, so that will be it. Do I use thick ply, or what ? Someone said use 7/16 osb. Is this overkill ? The area from top of wall to gutters will be attatched directly to bottom of truss overhang, 2 feet out to gutters, at an angle. Any help would be great. Novice here and no cash to hire out. Thanks.

[Amanda_931]

Don't soffits have to do two things--allow ventilation AND keep insects out?

[John Raabe]

Boxed in soffits are normally framed flat with a 2x4 going back to the wall from the rafter. Then you can staple up metal screening about an inch wide and nail up almost anything for soffit material.

The most cost effective way to vent the rafter insulation is with vented blocking nailed between the rafters at the wall line. This is shown in all my plans and eliminates the soffit material and extra framing.

[jb]

john...is there a link where I can see that ? Ya lost me...

[glenn kangiser]

Here is a general view link that may help- John may have a better detail.  I think the screen John mentioned could be put near the edge.  My personal preference is that I don't care for the look of OSB in an area such as this.  I would rather use plywood or something else that would look better as closing in a soffit is mainly for looks anyway.  My older house has only a facia trim board and vented blocking above the wall  as John mentioned above.
http://www.buildingscience.com/housesthatwork/hotdry/sacramento.htm

Page 49 of this pdf is a little more clear.
http://www.awc.org/pdf/WCD1-300.pdf

[John Raabe]

Glenn:

Thanks for the link to the framing PDF. That's it exactly. In most coded areas the soffit material will have to an exterior material like cedar or plywood siding.

[Okie_Bob]

I hate to keep sounding like a Hardie Board salesman but, they make a soffitt material I used. It comes in either 12" or 24" width and has vent holes all along one side.
Both Home Depot and Lowe's told me this material was not available in 24" width but, I have a brocure that says different. So, I went to a local lumber yard, private owed and they ordered it and had it for me in a matter of a couple of days.
Have to admit, I do love the small town family owned lumber yards and hardware stores. They are a wealth of knowledge and really appreciate your business. Sure can't say that for the big box stores!