What is a Cornice?
A cornice is a projecting, horizontal moulding at the top of a facade or building element, designed to direct rainwater away from the facade and give the building a finished, elegant appearance. The cornice marks the transition between the facade and the roof.
Function
- Water drainage — directs rainwater away from the facade surface
- Aesthetic — gives the building a finished, classical appearance
- Protective — shields the facade from wind-driven rain
Cornice for DIY builders
During renovation, refurbishment, or new construction of an extension, conservatory, or veranda, the cornice appears as:
- A finish above a masonry wall
- A roof edge detail on a conservatory or veranda
- A decorative moulding at the interior ceiling-wall junction (coving)
> Note: the interior variant (ceiling-to-wall transition) is also called a cornice or coving, but does not have a water-shedding function.
Materials
| Material | Application | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Timber | Classic, paintable | Regular painting |
| uPVC | Maintenance-free, exterior | Minimal |
| Concrete / precast | Heavy, durable | Virtually none |
| Brick slips | Masonry, traditional | Check pointing |
| Plaster / GRG | Interior use | Painting |
Making your own
How to make a timber cornice yourself:
- Measure the roof edge length
- Cut the profiles to size with a mitre saw
- Corners: mitre cut at 45°
- Fix with stainless steel screws
- Seal joints with exterior-grade sealant
- Paint with primer and two topcoats
Related terms
- Guttering
- Barge board / fascia
- Facade
- Roof overhang
- Sill
- Feather-edge boarding
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