EDCO’s Entex Soffit combines high-quality aluminum or 28-gauge steel construction with PVDF-based coating technology, delivering a soffit system that actually stands up to Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles and UV exposure. At 12.96 square inches per linear foot, the full-vent option moves enough air to prevent the ice dam problems that plague under-ventilated attics across the state.
Skip it if you’re looking for the cheapest option. Unlike vinyl, it will not sag, crack in cold weather, or melt — but you’ll pay for that durability. This soffit makes sense for contractors who understand that what goes overhead matters as much as what goes on the walls.
Performance Specs That Matter
The numbers tell the story better than any sales pitch:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Material Options | Aluma-Kore® aluminum or 28-gauge steel |
| Thickness | 0.019 inch (Nominal) |
| Width Options | 16 inches (Quad) or 12 inches (Tri) |
| Length | 12 feet |
| Impact Rating | UL 2218 Class 4 (Highest rating) |
| Wind Resistance | UL 1897 (Resistance up to 160 mph) |
| Fire Rating | UL 790 Class A or Class C (depending on substrate) |
The ENTEX® Paint Finish uses proprietary PVDF-based coating — the same technology that protects commercial buildings in Phoenix and Miami. That coating matters when you’re dealing with Montana’s elevation UV exposure.
Ventilation options give you flexibility for different applications:
- Full vent quad: 12.96 sq in per linear foot
- Center vent quad: 6.48 sq in per linear foot
- Center vent tri: 3.20 sq in per linear foot
- Plain/solid: 0 sq in/ft (Non-vented)
Installation and Compatibility
Installation uses a concealed fastening system with interlocking panels and nailing flange. No exposed fasteners means no rust streaks running down your siding five years later. You’ll need metal shears/snips, hammer or nail gun, measuring tape, and chalk line — standard tools any siding crew already owns.
The system works with standard trim components:
- 7/16” J-channel
- F-channel
- Starter strip
- Drip edge
Compatible with EDCO 6” or 8” Entex steel fascia and integrates seamlessly with EDCO steel siding systems. That matters for color matching and thermal expansion — mixing metal systems often leads to problems down the road.
The Warranty and Certification Reality
EDCO backs this with a lifetime non-prorated warranty covering material defects, fade protection, hail protection (Class 4 rating coverage), and it’s transferable to future homeowners. That Class 4 hail rating isn’t marketing fluff — it means the product survived getting hammered by 2-inch steel balls dropped from 20 feet.
The coating meets ASTM D-3361, B-117, D-2247 environmental performance tests. Those aren’t household names, but they’re the tests that separate products that look good on day one from products that still look good after ten Montana winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does EDCO’s ventilation capacity compare to vinyl soffit? A: The full vent option provides 12.96 square inches per linear foot, which exceeds most vinyl soffit ventilation by 20-30%. The real advantage is that metal maintains its shape — vinyl soffit can sag and restrict airflow over time, especially in heat.
Q: What’s the actual thickness of the steel option? A: The steel version uses 28-gauge material with 0.019 inch nominal thickness. That’s thicker than most residential steel soffit, which typically runs 29-30 gauge.
Q: Can this handle Montana’s temperature swings? A: Unlike vinyl, it will not sag, crack in cold weather, or melt. The UL certifications include testing from -40°F to 180°F, covering Montana’s full temperature range.
Q: How does the PVDF coating compare to standard polyester finishes? A: ENTEX finish provides superior fade resistance and a more realistic wood-grain aesthetic compared to standard polyester-coated aluminum. PVDF coatings typically retain 95% of their original color after 20 years, versus 50-70% for polyester.
Q: Is professional installation required? A: You’ll need metal shears/snips, hammer or nail gun, measuring tape, and chalk line. Any contractor comfortable with aluminum siding can handle this installation. Requires professional installation or specialized metal-cutting tools according to customer feedback.
Ready to Get Started?
Our siding specialists can help you find the right Edco products for your project.
More from Edco
Explore All Edco Products
We carry Edco across all 11 Montana and Idaho stores.
