Why does soffit have holes?
Short answer. The holes in perforated soffit panels let outside air flow into the attic at the eaves, which is the intake half of the attic ventilation system. Air enters through the holes, rises through the attic, and leaves through the ridge vent or other exhaust near the peak, carrying heat and moisture with it.
Why holes instead of one big vent
Many small perforations spread intake evenly along the whole eave, so every rafter bay gets air. They also act as their own insect screen: the openings are small enough to keep out wasps, birds and rodents while letting air through. Larger individual vents need separate screens and feed only a few bays.
Why some panels have no holes
- Porch ceilings and covered patios: the space above often does not connect to the main attic, so solid panels are used.
- Gable overhangs: the rake overhang at the ends of the house usually sits outside the attic.
- Mixed layouts: some installers alternate solid and vented panels, which reduces intake, so check the totals.
- Center vented panels: have holes only in a middle band, a compromise between airflow and appearance.
Keep the holes working
- Never paint perforated soffit with heavy coats or a roller that fills the holes.
- Rinse off spring pollen and cobwebs gently if they build up.
- From the attic, make sure insulation is not packed against the back of the panels; baffles keep the channel open.
- Do not caulk or tape over the holes to stop bugs, since they are already sized to keep pests out.
If your attic has a ridge vent but solid soffit everywhere, the ridge vent has nothing to pull from, and swapping some panels for vented ones is often a simple improvement. See roof ventilation basics and roof anatomy explained.