Changing your home exterior color is a big decision. Here’s how to make it a little less stressful.
Quality exterior coatings can last up to 15 years. That’s great for your wallet, but it puts a lot of pressure on you to choose the right color. Because if you choose wrong, you either have to hate it for 15 years or pay to cover it up.
Today, we’re sharing six tips for choosing the right color for your home’s exterior with confidence.
Check with your neighborhood or homeowner’s association (HOA) first.
Depending on where you live, you might be limited to a few preselected items. This is usually done if the HOA is looking to achieve a uniform look in the neighborhood. Some cities also place limits on color options for historic homes. Save yourself from the heartache of falling in love with a color you can’t use and do your research first.
Consider your home’s origins—and its best features.
Certain colors may not match certain architectural styles. Be sure to consider the unique shape and history of your home when choosing a color for its exterior.
Do a few paint or coating samples.
Choosing an exterior color is very different from choosing an interior color. The lighting in your office will stay fairly consistent throughout the day. But outdoor lighting changes dramatically in a twenty-four-hour period. Make sure you see your color choices in full sun and throughout the day before you commit.
This is especially important if you’re choosing white. There are many, many shades of white, and it’s very important to choose the right one.
Match the other features of your home’s exterior, such as stone or brick.
Natural material features will impact your strategy and color choices for your home’s exterior. The undertones in brick and stone will clash with some colors and look beautiful with others. If you’re planning to paint over the brick entirely, you may need to consider a specialty paint.
Consider your neighbors.
If you paint your house bright pink, it might make you smile every time you pull into the driveway. But your neighbors have to look at it way more than you do. For them, it’s right out the window. This means two things:
- You and your wacky house color may become the talk of the neighborhood—and not in a good way. If all your neighbors hate it, it can lead to an uncomfortable confrontation.
- We’ve all heard urban legends of the house that won’t sell because the neighbors are too weird. Don’t be that neighbor.
It’s also worth noting that the wrong color can also diminish your home’s resale value. So go orange if you want. Just keep in mind that when it comes time to sell, there may be a price to pay.
If you simply must choose a crazy home exterior color…
…save it for your front door.
Brightly colored front doors are a popular choice these days. In fact, an attention-getting front door can increase your home’s curb appeal. Plus it’s a great way to have fun with a wild color without going overboard. A bright pink house might be overwhelming, but a brick house with a bubblegum door can be very charming!
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Choosing a color for your home’s exterior can be overwhelming. If you’re feeling the pressure, talk to the experts at Texas Home Improvement. We can help you choose a color you feel great about.
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.
