When you look at the exterior of some homes, you will see a decorative projection just below the roof line. This projection is called a cornice. It is a decorative element that also protects the walls of the home.
The word cornice is Latin in origin. Coronis means curved line, and was taken from the Greek koronis, curved object. The cornice became popular, for lack of a better word, in ancient Roman and Greek architecture. Today, many home builders use the word eave to describe the protective overhang. When cornices are discussed, they typically mean one of the three types:
- Box cornice: these may be singular in design or divided into a wide box and a narrow box.
- Open or skeleton cornice: an open cornice is similar to a box cornice but lacks the finishing details.
- Close or closed cornice: this type of cornice does not project and does little to move rain water away from a building.
No matter what type of cornice is talked about, its purpose is to take rain water away from the building. Cornices are well adept at protecting the exterior walls of a home from rain and snow when they are installed by a professional.
If you have questions as to how a cornice can be included in your custom home plan, speak with your experienced home designer. A cornice may enhance the look of your home or may detract from it. A home design professional can help you make decisions that meet your sense of style and the look of your home.