A brief guide to the latest trends, the long-standing classics, and how to choose the right one for you.
Choosing the right color for your home’s exterior can be a bit daunting. After all, you’re committing to the same look for at least a few years. If you pick wrong, it’s not necessarily cheap—and certainly not quick—to fix it.
And with exterior color trends changing all the time, there’s extra pressure to strike a balance between cool and classic.
We’ve written a brief guide to help you decide whether you want to go bold or stick with a classic. Plus, we’re sharing a third, middle-ground option you may not have considered.
Craving something wild? Now’s the time.
According to the experts, people are more willing than ever to experiment with bright, bold, surprising colors. We’re seeing vibrant shades and unusual hues in neighborhoods that have traditionally stuck to neutrals and classics. Blues and greens are especially popular from home exteriors, as are pastel shades.
Another show-stopper trend: All black exteriors. The look has been hailed as extremely modern and fresh compared to past trends. While it may be impractical for warmer climates, many people are embracing the bold move.
If you’re hesitant to go big, paint your door instead.
The color of your front door is arguably more important than ever. More and more homeowners are opting for sharp contrasts, bright colors, and visual statements when choosing a front door. And for good reason.
An eye-catching front door is excellent for boosting your home’s curb appeal. In fact, a charming front door can actually increase the perceived value of your home. Plus, if you invest in a new door, you’re likely to recoup at least 75% of that cost when you sell.
So if you’re itching for a change but not ready to go big, think about a front door makeover instead. There are two benefits to going bold with your front door over your entire house:
- You can be a little more bold. A lemon yellow house is pretty outrageous in most parts of the country, but a lemon yellow door is charming.
- If you go a little too bold, it’s affordable and fast to redo it.
You can’t go wrong with a classic.
We may be experimenting with more wacky shades, but the classics are still going strong. Earthy neutrals are popular right now, along with navy and gray. And of course, warm whites and creams will never go out of style.
There’s nothing wrong with opting for a tried-and-true home exterior color if you’re not excited about a brighter hue. You’re never obligated to make a dramatic choice for the sake of trends.
Plus, you may simply want to protect yourself from a fleeting fad. Many people may repaint in a year or two when their chosen color goes out of style. The risk of such an expensive fix is much lower when you choose a classic color.
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Regardless of the color you choose, consider exterior coating over classic house paint. TEX•COTE® COOLWALL® exterior coating systems last much longer than traditional paint products. Plus, COOLWALL® actively deflects the heat of the sun away from your home. The result is more efficient interior climate control—and a lower utility bill.
Want to talk colors or COOLWALL®? Talk to an expert at Texas Home Improvement. We can advise you on trendy and classic shades and walk you through the exterior coating installation process.
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.
