Here are the basics when it comes to the cost and durability of exterior paint versus exterior coating.
At Texas Home Improvement, one of our specialties is exterior coating. We’re proud to be experts at installing TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems.
But there’s a question we hear a lot in our line of work: “What’s the difference between exterior coating and regular house paint?” Unfortunately, many people haven’t heard of exterior coating and aren’t familiar with the many benefits.
Today, we’re breaking down the major differences between exterior paint and exterior coating, from product formulation to cost savings.
The difference between exterior paint and exterior coating.
There are many differences between regular house paint and exterior coating, starting with the product composition. House paint contains four primary ingredients: pigments, binders, solvents (liquids), and additives.
On the other hand, exterior coating is made with a more rigorous recipe. Exterior coatings contain volcanic ash, polymers, and acrylic, which come together to create a highly durable coating.
Which is more durable: Exterior coating or exterior paint?
Even the most professional paint job only lasts three to six years, maybe seven if you’re in a mild climate. But you can’t avoid the effects of sunlight, precipitation, and other environmental factors. So fading, peeling, and chipping are inevitable after a while.
On the other hand, exterior coating can last a lifetime—literally. Laboratory tests confirm that TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® shows no signs of fading even after 10-12 years.
The product’s sturdiness is hardly surprising, given the origin story of TEX•COTE® COOLWALL®. The product was first developed as a coating for military vehicles in the desert, such as tanks and humvees. In that environment, durability is critical.
Regardless of the climate, you can reap the benefits of that military technology. When you opt for TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® over paint, your home looks beautiful for much longer.
The installation process for exterior house paint versus exterior coating.
Most people opt to hire professionals when it comes time to paint their house. But if you’re determined to DIY it, you can. It’s not a small task, but painting your own house can save you a lot of money.
On the other hand, exterior coating must be installed by a professional. The home’s surface needs to be correctly prepped to ensure that the coating lasts. Professional installation is key if you want to reap the benefits of exterior coating’s longevity and durability.
The cost difference between regular exterior paint and exterior coating.
If you’re just comparing the cost of product and installation, regular house paint will be cheaper. But when you consider a longer time horizon, exterior coating is the more economical choice for two reasons.
First, as mentioned above, exterior coating lasts much longer than paint. You might pay more upfront, but you don’t have to pay for another installation every few years. Your investment lasts much, much longer.
Second, opting for exterior coating over exterior paint can save you money in other areas. Keep reading to learn how!
Is exterior coating more energy-efficient than exterior house paint?
In a word, yes. To be more specific, regular house paint can’t improve your home’s energy efficiency. But exterior coating can.
A few ways TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® increases energy efficiency:
- Deflecting heat away from your home, thereby reducing the ambient temperature of the surface,
- The surface temperature with exterior coating is usually about 40°F cooler than a comparable home with regular paint.
- Most people save an average of 20% on their energy bills by switching to TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® Systems.
Still, have questions on the difference between exterior paint and exterior coating? Then get in touch with the team at Texas Home Improvement. We’d be glad to have a conversation and decide if TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® is right for you.
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.
