Artistically Created Cornice
Yesterday And Today

It can easily be noted all throughout different periods of time in our worlds history that there are many different styles and fads that have become very popular among different parts of our society at one given time or another, then they seem to just fade away – temporarily forgotten, only to come back again in popularity, with a vengeance. History has had a way of repeating itself since the beginning of time it seems, in all different parts of our world, and in all the different cultures as well.

The idea of using Cornice is one of the more recent trends that seems to be coming back full force, and with very good reason. The idea of using Cornice in the construction of homes and many business as well, is something that has been around for a very long time. In the early days of its use, this popular method of construction was used a great deal in a lot of the homes that were constructed in the United States, and a large amount of the homes and businesses in parts of Europe as well.

In early times of its history, the exterior Cornice that many builders and contractors used in their home and building construction, was an over-hanging section of the roof that simply had a function of holding the down spouts and guttering on a home or business. Cornice that is used for interior use, found both in the homes of years ago, and in many of the homes of today are simply used for decoration purposes. Adding Cornice to any home or building can add not only beauty, but a great deal of elegance that is sure to be pleasing to even the most picky of taste.

A large number of the older homes that had this type of beautifully designed construction are now being used in various cities and communities as models, for the beauty they portray in the Cornice work that has been done in their amazing construction. There are more and more people every single day that seem to be falling in love all over again, with the impressive beauty that this artistic type of skillful work can add to the décor of any style and taste in homes and many business offices throughout out neighborhoods.

There have even been a large number of construction businesses that are devoting a large majority of their time in the re-creation of the older styles that were designed numerous years ago in artistically created Cornice work.

You are sure to be amazed at the unbelievable and astounding difference that you can make in the over-all appearance of almost any home or business office, simply by adding the artistic work that can be created with the unique use of Cornice. The entire look of your home or business can be totally changed in a relatively short amount of time, to that of one that is sure to draw attention, and raise the property value of your particular piece of property.

How Important Are Cornices On Your Home Or Buildings

According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000, a cornice can be a "horizontal molded projection that crowns or completes a building or wall," or the "molding at the top of the walls of a room, between the walls and ceiling." It is also an "ornamental horizontal molding or frame used to conceal rods, picture hooks, or other devices." They can be very simple or extremely ornamental in nature.

Currently, the trend is leaning towards simple cornices although ornamental cornices can add a more pleasing look. The simplest cornice is known as the "open" cornice, which is usually from 2 1/2 to 3 feet wide. Plywood is usually placed on top of the rafters as a finish. The ends of the rafters are usually cut at an angle or rounded as well, for a more attractive effect.

A "box" cornice can be used as another simple choice. Box cornices are formed when a piece of plywood is placed over the ends of the rafters. This board is known as the fascia. Then another board or boards are placed horizontally to cover the spaces formed under the rafters. This is known as the plancher.

Ornamental cornices can be very elaborate in their appearances. They can be decorative in style with various shapes, designs, or figures. More care has to be applied to the installation of this kind of cornice due to the greater chance of the joints if the designs not matching up. This also could add to the cost of your project, but it is well worth it when you see the beauty of the finished product. Again though, the overall style of the home or building is the major point of focus when choosing your cornices.

Guidelines require that he roof has to extend past the walls to prevent rainwater from hitting or running down the sides of the walls. Because of the shade it produces, a wide cornice may be best to use in a bright, sunny climate. Where it is a cloudy, foggy, or damp climate, a narrower cornice would be best because it would not shade the building as much, but it would still have to be wide enough to keep the rain from hitting the side of the building. The building style play a part in choosing the type of cornice needed as well. An ocean side bungalow in sunny California would not need to be as wide as a cornice small cottage in Cape Cod.

If desired, a gutter system can be added to the ends of the rafters as well. The shingles of the roof should extend far enough along the rafters allowing the rainwater to easily enter the gutters.

Crown mouldings can be placed at the ends of the rafters. These are sometimes placed at the point where the plancher joins the walls of the building, making it seen that the roof is a cap that was placed on top of the walls.

It is very important that all of the cornices fit as together as exactly as possible. The appearance of your building is directly affected by the look of your cornices. The most expensive cornices, poorly installed, will look greatly outmatched compared to the least expensive simple cornices that were installed with care and precision.

The cornices that you choose will greatly contribute to the outward beauty of your home or building, but also help protect it and extend the life of your building. Choose wisely.

Other areas that may be of interest:
Fibrous, Drywall