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Remodeling Design Dilemma Exterior

Mid Century Modern Soffit Update

2 years ago

HI All. We are looking to replace our AC plywood soffits (24" wide) on our 1959 MCM redwood sided ranch. - I am not a huge fan of the maintenance required for wood, but like the aesthetic. We do need ventilation. Has anyone used other materials such as smooth cement/Hardie board, or have another alternate material that would fit the style well? We will be doing the fascia, gutters and roof at the same time - Thank you!

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Comments (5)

everdebz
2 years ago
I'm curious also, though our house has only a small portion rotted. If ya don't see it up there, ya won't paint, etc... and we didn't look.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
2 years ago
What kind of ventilation do you have no, it doesn’t show in the photos… We went over our original plywood soffits with 1/2” hardi board sheets.
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If you like the fence and want to keep one I would look at installing a horizontal wood fence where the existing fence is located. This would enhance the existing horizontal lines of the house. With the lighter tones of the brick I would paint the dark brown colors a lighter tone. This will reduce the disjointed effect of the dark against the light. If you're interested in seeing some virtual makeovers of your house, check out my website, Creative Visual Concepts. I don't think it will take a lot to improve the look.
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Blake
Original Author
2 years ago
None of it is rotted, the ventilation is just lacking and I need to add a significant number of vents… The bigger issue is the peeling paint and longer-term maintenance. I’m trying to avoid having to repaint it every handful of years.
Blake
Original Author
4 months ago
We ended up doing smooth vented hardie soffits and fascia. Looks great but the fascia was tricky with the gutter attachment since Hardie says not to face nail.
For others knowledge, in the future I would do the hardie soffits again but do LP fascia
Paul F.
4 months ago
Thanks for the update!

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