Aurora Exterior Refresh: James Hardie Siding, Painted Brick, and New Gutters
This Aurora home needed a visual overhaul. The homeowner wanted a more modern look, so they brought us in to handle everything at once. Siding, trim, brick, and gutters. As a complete exterior refresh.
What We Did
- Installed James Hardie fiber cement siding in Arctic White across the home's exterior
- Added iron gray trim to complement the new siding and create a clean, modern contrast
- Painted the existing brick facade to match the Arctic White siding for a cohesive look
- Installed a new gutter system color-matched to the overall exterior
Why a Coordinated Exterior Approach Makes Sense
When a home has mixed materials. Siding, brick, trim, and gutters. Updating only one element often makes the others look worse by comparison. That contrast can be flattering when it's intentional, but when materials are mismatched in age or condition, the result is a look that feels unfinished.
Coordinating the full exterior, the way this project was structured, solves that problem. It also gives homeowners a single point of accountability: one contractor managing the materials, the color palette, and how everything ties together.
For Colorado homes specifically, James Hardie fiber cement siding holds up well against temperature swings, UV exposure, and moisture. All of which are relevant along the Front Range. Fiber cement doesn't expand and contract as dramatically as vinyl in cold temperatures, and it holds paint better over time than wood-based products. Painting brick is a more permanent decision, so it's worth thinking through carefully before committing, but when done with the right materials it's a durable finish that can meaningfully change the character of a home's facade.
Gutters are often the last thing homeowners think about in a project like this, but a mismatched or aging gutter system can undermine an otherwise clean exterior. Replacing them as part of the same project, and matching them to the color scheme, keeps the finished result consistent from roofline to foundation.
This Aurora home now has a unified exterior that reflects a deliberate design choice rather than a collection of updates done at different times. The Arctic White and iron gray combination gives it a current look, and all the components. Siding, trim, brick, and gutters. Are working together as a single system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you paint brick to match fiber cement siding?
Yes. Brick can be painted to align with a new siding color, and it's a practical way to unify a mixed-material exterior. It's a more permanent step than painting wood or siding, so it's worth being confident in your color choice before moving forward. With proper surface prep and exterior-grade paint, the finish is durable and low-maintenance.
How do James Hardie products perform in Colorado's climate?
James Hardie fiber cement siding is engineered to handle temperature fluctuations, moisture, and UV exposure. All of which are common along Colorado's Front Range. It doesn't rot, it holds paint longer than wood, and it's non-combustible, which is relevant in areas with wildfire exposure.
Does gutter color matter, or is it just aesthetic?
It's primarily aesthetic, but it matters more than most homeowners expect. A gutter system that doesn't match the trim or siding can make an otherwise clean exterior feel incomplete. When you're already updating the siding and trim, matching the gutters is a straightforward way to carry the look all the way through.
Is a full exterior refresh done all at once, or can it be phased?
It can be phased, but doing it all at once has real advantages. You get consistent materials, consistent color matching, and a single installation process rather than multiple mobilizations. It also tends to be more cost-effective than returning for separate projects at different times.
How do we choose between a bold trim color and something more neutral?
That comes down to the style of the home and what the homeowner is going for. A high-contrast combination like Arctic White siding with iron gray trim reads as modern and intentional. More tonal combinations tend to feel quieter and more traditional. Looking at the architectural style of the home and neighboring properties is a good starting point before committing to a palette.