Fascia + Guttering vs. Parapet Cornice

Fascia with Guttering

Functionality and Application
Fascia with guttering serves a dual role: effectively managing rainwater and concealing the junction between the flat roof and masonry elevations, thereby enhancing the building's elegance.

• Rainwater Management: The primary function is to collect and channel rainwater away from the roof and foundation, preventing water damage and erosion.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: By hiding the roof-to-wall junction, it provides a refined and cohesive appearance to the structure.

Material Composition

Fascia with guttering is built from high-performance, durable materials suited for external applications:

• Fascia Board: Constructed from Medite Tricoya Extreme, a modified wood product known for its excellent durability and stability outdoors.
• Mouldings: Gutter support and bottom edge drip mouldings made from Accoya, an acetylated wood renowned for its resistance to moisture and decay.
• Cornice Guttering: Heavy cast aluminium guttering, offering long life and exceptional durability due to its non-corrosive properties.

Height Considerations and Suitability
Fascia boards are available in depths up to 400mm as standard, with options for up to 600mm. Choosing the right height ensures the fascia complements the building's proportions and does not interfere with features like doors and windows.

Ideal For:

• Single storey extensions aiming for an orangery-style appearance
• Buildings needing effective rainwater management alongside aesthetic refinement

Parapet Cornice

Functionality and Application
Parapet cornices are architectural features designed to conceal the top edge of parapet walls and provide a polished, cohesive finish. While they do not manage rainwater directly, they offer significant aesthetic benefits to complement a building’s overall design.

• Aesthetic Refinement: Parapet cornices hide the functional elements of parapet walls, delivering a seamless and sophisticated finish to the roofline.
• Architectural Appeal: Suitable for a variety of home styles, from classic and ornate designs to sleek and modern appearances.

Material Composition

Similar to fascias, parapet cornices are crafted from robust, weather-resistant materials:

• Cornice Structure: Made from Medite Tricoya Extreme for exceptional stability and durability.
• Mouldings: Accoya wood mouldings, which resist decay and offer outstanding performance in external environments.

Height Considerations and Suitability
Standard depths for parapet cornices reach up to 400mm, with options to extend up to 600mm. Proper height selection ensures the cornice harmonizes with the building's façade and does not overwhelm windows, doors, or other architectural elements below.

Ideal For:

• Projects where visual appeal is prioritized
• Homes seeking a cohesive and elegant exterior finish

Key Differences

1. Purpose

   • Fascia with Guttering: Combines functionality and aesthetics, managing rainwater effectively while concealing the junction between the roof and wall.
   • Parapet Cornice: Focuses purely on aesthetics, enhancing the visual appeal by hiding the top edge of parapet walls.

2. Material Composition

   • Fascia with Guttering: Constructed from durable materials such as Medite Tricoya Extreme fascia boards, Accoya mouldings, and heavy cast aluminium guttering.
   • Parapet Cornice: Crafted from Medite Tricoya Extreme fascia boards and Accoya mouldings, designed for external durability.

3. Height Considerations

   • Fascia with Guttering: Available in depths up to 600mm. The height must complement the building's proportions and avoid obstructing doors, windows, or other architectural features below.
   • Parapet Cornice: Also available in depths up to 600mm. The height should harmonize with the building’s façade without overwhelming the design.

Conclusion

Selecting between fascia with guttering and parapet cornices depends on your project's specific needs:

• Fascia with Guttering: Ideal for projects requiring effective rainwater management alongside aesthetic refinement. Choosing the right height ensures compatibility with doors, windows, and other structural elements.
• Parapet Cornice: Perfect for projects prioritizing external elegance and architectural harmony. Appropriate height selection ensures the cornice complements the building without overwhelming it.

By understanding the distinct functions, materials, and dimensional considerations of each option, you can make an informed decision that enhances both the functionality and beauty of your residential project.