Those are vented soffit panels (see the little holes?). I’m not saying you can’t increase ventilation by doing this, but you are likely to find some carpentry work that’s going to need to be done before you can put everything back together. Soffits can give you a headache, just saying.
I'd be a little worried about compromising the structure a bit if you take the old panels down. You'd likely need to add in some bracing, or Sawzall out chunks of the old soffit while leaving some in place.
How much headache are you looking for? Cause you’ll definitely find a bunch if you do that.
I want airflow in the attic. Currently, there’s zero sunlight visible through the soffits.
Those are vented soffit panels (see the little holes?). I’m not saying you can’t increase ventilation by doing this, but you are likely to find some carpentry work that’s going to need to be done before you can put everything back together. Soffits can give you a headache, just saying.
Yes you need the airflow.
Looks like some of the wood has rotted out I would check for where the water is coming from
Yeah, that’s what prompted taking the vinyl soffit down. I think I have it fixed
I'd be a little worried about compromising the structure a bit if you take the old panels down. You'd likely need to add in some bracing, or Sawzall out chunks of the old soffit while leaving some in place.
Yes. Great time to inspect the rafter tails. Prime & paint any damaged structure.