The choice between trapezoidal sheet metal and PVC soffit depends on the eaves width, the substructure and the ventilation requirements. Before deciding, check whether the chosen solution will block the air supply to the gap under the covering. Sheet metal is stiffer and allows colour matching, but the profile must be carefully selected to suit the eaves proportions. PVC is lightweight and forms a system with mounting strips, yet installation must account for thermal expansion. Compare the cost of the entire finish with profiles and labour, not just the material price.

Trapezoidal sheet cladding tidies the eaves and conceals the underside of the roof overhang. To work properly, fixing, edge details and roof ventilation must be planned separately. The T18 profile is one possible choice – judge its height on a sample, as it looks different up close than across the whole slope. Properly protected joints and openings can limit bird access, but the cladding does not take the place of the underlay or the water-draining flashings.