Exterior Trim
Exterior trim-work defines style. In many cases, the type of trim-work used depends on the style of the house.
Exterior trim is not purely ornamental. In fact, it is rarely just ornamental, and when it functions as ornament, it is often as an after thought. Its primary purposes are to create transitions between fields of siding and to seal vulnerable areas of the house against harmful weathering. In terms of pure design, trim derives its importance from its prominence. Because siding is almost always repetitive, it tends to be monotonous. Anything that breaks up this monotony, as trimwork does, necessarily catches the eye.
Exterior trim also plays a big role in visually outlining a house, the way simple lines define a rectangle. Corner boards form hard verticals, fascias are strong horizontals, and rake boards hold the roof to the end walls so it won't fly away. Knowing something about trimwork can be edifying in itself, particularly if you are interested in house design. But it becomes more actionable, as they say, when you want to buy a new house or you're planning a substantial addition to your current house. Because
exterior trim is so important to the final look of a building, you'll want to be confidently
involved in specifying the proper details. At the end of the day, the architect, builder, and contractors go home. Make sure what they leave behind is what you want.
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