Chapter 21. Cornices
Cornice has been defined as "any horizontal, molded or otherwise decorated projection which crowns or finishes the part to which it is affixed as, the cornice of an order, pedestal, door, window, or house." More commonly the term is applied to the finish placed on a building at the point where the wall meets the roof. The treatment of the cornice may be rather simple, or it may be very ornamental.
 |
The roof must project over the wall to prevent the water from running down the side of the building. A wide cornice may be a good thing in a bright, sunny climate because of its shade. In a cloudy, foggy damp climate, a narrower cornice would not shade the building so much, but it must be wide enough to keep the rain from striking the side of the building. The cornice must also be in keeping with the style of the building. A Cape Cod cottage would not need as wide a cornice as a California bungalow.
 |
The modern trend is toward simple cornices. The simplest one is known as the open cornice. This cornice is usually from two and a half feet to three feet wide. The finish, if any, is placed on the top of the rafters, and is usually smooth boards or plywood. It may be made of ceiling or "V" siding if a little more pattern is desired. The ends of the rafters are cut at an angle or are rounded, or otherwise made attractive.
A gutter can be attached to the ends of the rafters if desired. The shingles project enough to let the water fall properly into the gutter.
A simple box cornice requires a piece over the ends of the rafters known as the fascia, and a horizontal board or boards to cover the space under the rafters, known as the plancher. (See illustration on page 129.)
A crown moulding or a gutter is placed at the ends of the rafters, and sometimes a bed moulding is placed at the point where the plancher joins the walls of the building.
The most important thing about a cornice is that the pieces should fit exactly. A simple cornice is pleasing if the parts fit perfectly, but the most elaborate cornice is unsightly if the joints do not fit properly.
Keep the cornice simple and put your money and effort where it will add more livability to the house. Who notices a cornice, anyway?
A wide overhang on the roof increases the area and expense of the roof tremendously. To illustrate the expense of building an elaborate cornice, a story comes to mind, the source of which I have forgotten. A woman was showing a friend her new house which was under construction. The friend was overawed by the many wonderful features of the new house, but after several exclamations, finally said, "It's all very wonderful, but I don't understand why you want so many pieces of life-sized statuary dressed like carpenters around the edges of the roof." The woman explained, "That is not statuary, those are carpenters, and they are putting up the cornice."
To Fasten Gutters to the Edge of the Roof
If wooden gutters are used, merely notch the ends of the rafters to receive them, put them in place, and nail them securely.
Metal gutters are often held in place by straps of metal spiked to the rafters.
Methods vary with the location. Observe how it is done in your locality.
Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...
|
|
|
