A fiber cement soffit comprising a first major face, a second major face, an intermediate portion positioned between the first and second faces and an edge portion surrounding the intermediate portion such that the first and second faces, intermediate portion and edge portion together form a panel of predetermined thickness; and a plurality of apertures extending between the first and second major faces of the soffit through the predetermined thickness forming a vented portion wherein the apertures comprise between approximately 8% and 28% of the total surface area per linear foot of each of the first major face and second major face of the vented portion such that the net free ventilation provided per linear foot of the fiber cement soffit is between 10 and 16 square inches.