Repairing Greek Cornice Roof Returns

By Robert Robillard on Home Repairs And Remodeling

Image: www.in.gov/dnr/images

Repairing Greek Revival Cornice Roof Returns

The Greek Revival roof return style emulated the temple forms of ancient Greece, resulting in the creation of straightforward, box-like buildings we see in historic towns of America.   Most Greek Revival buildings have substantial cornices that extended into gable ends as “returns.”

Below picture: this house had rotted roof rake returns.

The owner wanted to preserve the look of the returns but being mostly a horizontal surface they take a beating from the weather.  These horizontal surfaces are usually the first spot to rot out because snow and rain often collect on them. I’ve found that over the years painters, homeowners, etc often neglect this area because of its height and access issues. sometimes people opt to have these returns “boxed In” which really ruins the look of the house.

The Practice of Using Metal Flashing

Over the years I’ve seen different approaches to preserving these roof returns – usually with lead or aluminum flashing.  I prefer copper and think it’s the best looking option.  Wrapping  these Greek Revival roof returns in copper and allowing the copper to weather into a nice patina actually creates a nice looking detail.

Repairing Greek Cornice Roof Returns

I started out by replacing all of the rotted wood. A slight pitch is built into the return shelf to shed rain water and melting snow.

Repairing Greek Cornice Roof Returns

Copper Drip Edge Starts The Repair

I then installed copper drip edge to the front and side edges of the Greek Revival return.  The drip edge allows me to bend copper over its edge to create a secure copper cover.  The copper top slips into the fascia / sofit cavity and is bent up to fit against the sidewall of the house.  I then secure it with copper nails.  I always put the copper nails into elongated holes to allow for expansion and contraction.

This repair is good for a 100 years.

Repairing Greek Cornice Roof Returns

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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