Paint on the exterior of a home starts to lose its color after some time. The sun’s rays, debris during storms, and other elements take a toll on how vivid the paint color is. When the paint starts to lose its brightness, a fresh coat may be the best option to restore the look of the home and help protect the siding. Today, paint can do even more, and may also help keep the home cooler during the hottest months of the year. Before applying that new coat of paint, the first step is to choose the right painting company.
Do Research on Local Companies
There are many options for painting companies today. So, it’s essential to do some research. Some companies, unfortunately, may not live up to your standards. Other companies will do an amazing job, paying attention to even the smallest details, making sure you are satisfied before they finish the job. Doing research, reading reviews, and checking the past history of companies can help homeowners find that type of company, the type that’s going to care about how well the job is done.
Look for a Painting Company that Offers Top Options
The Texas sun is brutal during the summer months and causes the power bills to skyrocket. One way to help prevent huge power bills can be accomplished by choosing the right paint for a home. New technology like that used to create TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coating systems can help reflect the sun’s rays, keeping the home much cooler throughout the summer.
This paint uses the same technology as the military uses in the paint for their vehicles to keep the heat signature down so the vehicles can’t be spotted by thermal imaging cameras. Homeowners who look for a company that offers paint options like this may be able to get a lot more out of the new paint for their home, helping them save time and money.
Get a Quote and Understand What it Says
Once the homeowner has a few companies they’re interested in working with, the next step is to get quotes. This is crucial and should never be skipped over. A quote gives the homeowner a chance to see what is involved in the job and how much it will cost. You should review the quote carefully, checking to ensure everything you need to have done is included in the quote.
It is important during this point of research to remember that the lowest quote is not necessarily the best. They may use a lower quality paint, which will just need to be repainted in the near future. Instead, compare quotes from companies that offer high-quality paint like the Tex-Cote CoolWall paint to find the right company to work with.
Look at Guarantees and Potential Scheduling
Before hiring any company, check to see what kind of guarantees they offer for the work. Companies that aren’t going to do a great job will likely not offer a guarantee. They know they’ll need to come back and fix the paint. If they do offer one, it will be for a very short amount of time. Instead, make sure the company is going to offer a decent multi-year guarantee for the work and will be willing to come back and fix any issues if noticed.
On top of this, learn a little more about their current schedule and when the painting could be completed. This is especially important for those who may need to take off work to have the painting done or who may be planning to travel in the near future.
Get a Detailed Contract for the Work
Once a company is chosen, make sure to get a detailed contract. Homeowners should check that everything they want to have done is in the contract so that they don’t have to wonder if it will be done. And if something is overlooked by the paint company, what is the standard procedure for follow up. With a detailed contract in hand, the next step is to hire the company and schedule a time for the painting to be done.
If you’re planning on having your home painted, make sure you find the right painting job. A little bit of work and research now can save you money and heartache in the future. When you use the right company, the job will be done right. Your new painted home should look stunning. And, the process should be pleasant. The question to ask yourself is, ‘would I choose this company again if I started over?’. Longevity and good reviews are a good predictor of what you should expect from the painting company you choose.
Contact Texas Home Improvement for Your Painting Needs
If you live in Austin or the Dallas Fort Worth area and would like more information on exterior coating, replacement windows, roofing, or patio covers and pergolas, give us a call or contact us below.
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What Is Fascia?
Fascia is the long, straight board that runs along the edge of your roofline. It’s usually the part you see directly below the roof shingles and along the outer edge of the eaves.
Fascia serves a few important purposes.
First, it provides a finished edge for the roof. It also helps support the lower edge of the roofing system and provides a surface where gutters can be attached.
That last part is especially important. Your gutters rely on the fascia for support, and properly functioning gutters help direct rainwater away from your home and its foundation.
If your fascia becomes damaged or starts to rot, it can eventually affect the gutters and the areas around them.
Why Are Soffit and Fascia Important?
Soffit and Fascia work together to protect one of the more vulnerable areas of your home’s exterior.
They help:
- Provide attic ventilation
- Protect the roofline from weather and moisture
- Keep pests out of the eaves
- Protect exposed areas beneath the roof
- Provide support for gutter systems
- Create a finished appearance around the roofline
Because they’re exposed to the elements year after year, they can eventually develop problems.
Common Soffit and Fascia Problems
Rot and Water Damage
Water is one of the biggest concerns, particularly with wood materials.
Leaks, damaged roofing, clogged gutters, or poor drainage can allow moisture to reach the soffit and fascia. Over time, that moisture can lead to rot, mold, and deterioration.
Soft or crumbling wood is a good reason to have the area inspected.
Cracking and Warping
Exterior materials are constantly exposed to heat, cold, moisture, and UV rays. Over time, that exposure can cause some materials to crack, warp, or pull away from the home.
If you notice boards that are bowing, separating, or no longer sitting properly, they should be checked.
Pest Problems
Small openings in damaged soffit can give birds, insects, and other pests a way into the eaves or attic.
If you notice nests, insects, or signs of animals getting into the roofline, inspect the soffit and fascia for gaps or damage.
Gutter Problems
Because gutters are commonly attached to the fascia, damaged fascia can create problems with the gutter system.
If your gutters are pulling away from the house, sagging, or becoming difficult to secure, the condition of the fascia behind them is worth checking.
When Should You Repair or Replace Soffit and Fascia?
Not every damaged soffit or fascia needs a complete replacement. However, if you’re seeing any of these signs, it’s worth having the area inspected:
- Soft or rotting wood
- Cracks or holes
- Warping or separation
- Water stains or signs of moisture damage
- Pest entry points
- Gutters pulling away from the fascia
- Repeated repairs or repainting in the same areas
- Large sections of deteriorating material
It is important to understand why the damage happened in the first place.
Replacing a section of rotted fascia without addressing an ongoing water or drainage problem could leave you dealing with the same issue again.
What Materials Can Be Used for Soffit and Fascia?
Homeowners have several material options, including wood, aluminum, and fiber cement.
Wood
Wood has a traditional appearance and can work well with certain home styles. The downside is that it requires more maintenance and can be vulnerable to moisture, rot, insects, and weather exposure.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another low-maintenance option. It’s resistant to moisture and won’t rot, although it can dent and may eventually show signs of wear.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is another option for homeowners looking for a durable exterior material with lower maintenance needs than traditional wood.
James Hardie fiber cement is one option to consider for both siding and soffit/fascia.
Why Consider James Hardie for Siding, Soffit, and Fascia?
If you’re already replacing failing siding, it can make sense to inspect the soffit and fascia at the same time.
These areas all work together as part of your home’s exterior, so replacing damaged materials together can create a more consistent finished look and address multiple areas of deterioration at once.
James Hardie fiber cement is designed to handle moisture and weather exposure while requiring less maintenance than traditional wood. For Texas homeowners, that can be especially valuable given the heat, sun, storms, and changing weather conditions our homes experience.
Using James Hardie for siding and soffit/fascia can also give the exterior a more cohesive appearance instead of mixing several different materials along the same roofline.
Of course, the right material depends on the condition of your home, the source of the damage, your budget, and the look you’re trying to achieve.
What Should You Look for Around Your Roofline?
You don’t need to be a contractor to spot some of the common warning signs. Take a look around your roofline and keep an eye out for:
- Soft or crumbling material
- Cracks or holes
- Warping or sagging
- Peeling or deteriorating paint
- Water stains or discoloration
- Gaps around the soffit
- Signs of birds or insects
- Gutters pulling away from the fascia
- Areas that have required repeated repairs
If you notice several of these issues at once, it’s a good idea to have the area professionally inspected.
Final Thoughts
Soffit and fascia may not be the first things you notice about your home, but they serve important purposes.
They help protect the roofline, support gutters, provide attic ventilation, and keep moisture and pests out of vulnerable areas.
If you’re seeing rot, cracking, warping, water damage, or other deterioration, the right solution isn’t always to replace everything. Start by identifying the source of the problem and determining whether repair or replacement makes the most sense.
And if you’re already replacing your siding, take the opportunity to inspect your soffit and fascia as well.
For Texas homeowners looking for a durable fiber-cement exterior, James Hardie siding and soffit/fascia are options worth considering as part of a complete exterior replacement.
