The function of soffit vents for proper ventilation it isn t enough for air to simply get into your attic.
Roof without soffits.
Normal vented air likes to enter the attic lower down near the bottom third of the attic and as it passes through it will exit higher up near the top third of the attic space.
Your other options are a roof design without ventilation an issue that is volatile and multifaceted.
Typically you would have a gable vent on each end of the attic.
These straps act as a sling for your gutter.
If i had an older home without soffits i would strongly consider just completely air sealing the attic and adding foam insulation totally removing the need for ventilation.
Install special roof intake venting products that work at the lower edge of the roof decking underneath the first course of shingles.
One advantage is that they re incredibly efficient.
For homes without soffits or narrow ones the attic can still be very effectively insulated.
With old homes it can be very difficult to properly ventilate the attic for a variety of reasons.
The spaces between the sleepers can probably be detailed so that the roof is vented at the soffit as well as at the ridge see venting a shed roof.
Venting solutions for roofs with no overhang or soffit.
If your roof lacks eaves you need a substitute for soffit vents.
A home without fascia needs to have gutters attached by roof straps.
These fixed venting units have a lot of advantages over the other venting options.
It must also circulate.
Items you will need 36 inch pre hung entry door 2 2 x 4 x 81 inch studs 2 2 x 4 x 41 inch studs door casing electric miter saw skill saw jig saw screw gun hammer level measuring tape pencil carpenter s framing square door shims 2 inch deck screws 8d finish nails nail set wood putty.
Sometimes a home without eaves or soffits will use ridge vents.
For an attic without soffit vents you may have the option to use gable vents instead.
Sometimes the roof needs repair in addition to the gutters but you aren t able to complete both projects at the same time.