Should you go with Black or White: Guttering, Soffits, and Fascias
No one can deny that black and white colors are the most popular and stylish choices for many home exterior features.
But when it comes to guttering, soffits, and fascias, which should you choose for your home?
Should you just go with what you think looks best, or should you consider the practical benefits of each color?
In this post, we will break down the pros and cons of installing black or white guttering, soffits, and fascias on your home.
What are the considerations of choosing black or white guttering, soffits, and fascias?
Every home is unique. There is no single answer that will suit every home.
It’s important to consider both the practical and aesthetic benefits of each color before making a decision.
There are many factors that go into choosing the right exterior colors for your home, including:
Color of Your Roof
The color of your roof is a major factor in choosing the right guttering, soffits, and fascias for your home.
If you already have a dark-colored roof, then it is best to choose black or another dark color for your guttering, soffits, and fascias.
If you have a light-colored roof, then it is best to choose a light color for your guttering, soffits, and fascias. This will help create a cohesive look for your home.
Black guttering, soffits, and fascias can often look more traditional and elegant than white. They can also help to make a property appear smaller and more intimate.
On the other hand, white guttering, soffits, and fascias can brighten up a home, adding instant light to your exterior.
They can also help improve the look of older properties by making them appear more spacious and modern.
Black guttering, soffits, and fascias are often considered better for homes with dark roofs, brick, or stone walls due to their ability to enhance the contrast between these two materials.
However, if your home has a lot of wood features, such as porches or window frames, then white guttering, soffits, and fascias may be a better option as they will help to highlight these features.
Therefore, use your roof color as a guide to help you choose the right guttering, soffits, and fascias if the aesthetics are your primary concern.
Energy Expenditure
You may be wondering what kind of relationship black or white guttering, soffits, and fascias have with energy bills.
Let me assure you, there is a relationship!
White surfaces, such as guttering and soffits, help to reflect sunlight. As a result, they can reduce the amount of solar energy absorbed by your home’s external walls.
This means you may save money on energy bills if these exterior features are painted white instead of black particularly during the summer months when you will benefit from reduced heat.
There is a growing trend for white roofs in many areas due to energy-saving benefits. A lot of homeowners are choosing to install white roofs in order to reduce their energy bills and mitigate the effects of climate change.
If you’re looking for a way to save money on your energy bills, then installing white guttering, soffits, and fascias may be the best option for you.
The darker colors absorb heat from the sun and can cause the property to become hotter.
This could increase the amount of energy required for cooling in the summer months, which will negatively impact your energy bill.
Therefore, black guttering, soffits, and fascias are not the best choice for homes in hot climates.
Material deterioration
Selected materials for guttering, soffits, and fascias can have a considerable impact on their life expectancy.
However, when it is combined with UV rays from the sun, it can significantly deteriorate in a shorter space of time.
White guttering and soffits resist deterioration caused by sunlight better than black. This is because they reflect more light, which reduces the rate of material degradation.
Aside from that, black guttering, soffits, and fascias are more prone to issues caused by the increased expansion and contraction produced by the heat they absorb.
Therefore, if you plan to choose black or other darker color guttering and soffits, it is best to use a high-quality material that has been treated with anti-UV coatings or paint.
This will help your exterior features withstand the sun’s UV rays more effectively for longer.
It is wise to check if the product you intend to use is tested for UV resistance, especially if it is not a commonly known brand.
It is also very important to choose high-quality products with verified weatherproof properties no matter the color you choose.
Material Discoloring
Both black and white-colored guttering, soffits, and fascias are likely to fade over time depending on their exposure to the elements.
However, black materials are more likely to show signs of wear and tear sooner than white ones.
This is because of the black color’s tendency to absorb heat and increase the temperature which can make it more vulnerable to damage.
That said, white guttering and soffits are not inherently resistant to damage. As they age, they will also discolor over time not only due to sun exposure but also from rain, and other environmental factors.
Mold Growth
Black guttering, soffits, and fascias can be more prone to mold growth than white ones.
This is because the dark color creates a warm environment combined with moisture encouraging the growth of fungus.
If you are concerned about mold growth, then white guttering, soffits, and fascias may be a better option.
Local ordinances and regulations
You should also consider any local ordinances and regulations that may impact your choice of exterior features.
In some areas, white guttering, soffits, and fascias are required for homes because they have been found to be more visible in the dark.
If you live in a neighborhood with restrictions like this, then you will have to choose the colors that suit these rules.
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict? In most cases, it really comes down to personal preference.
However, you may want to consider your home’s roof color, climate, and local ordinances when making your choice.
The material and build quality of the product you choose for your guttering, soffits, and fascias are likely to have a much greater impact on their lifespan than the color.
Also, remember that maintenance is key when it comes to choosing exterior features because they will wear out over time regardless of the color you select.
So ensure you check them regularly and maintain them with the best practices to extend their life expectancy.
