A few years ago I did a PowerPoint presentation at Michigan's annual conference on exactly this subject - déjà vu! - and offered these and other ideas. Mostly, I presented the various building styles that have cornices, showed how they function and how they fail, and briefly explained what to do to protect and restore them. Nicely graphic, it was a popular session. All you say is true, I think. Modern styles omit the cornice, and suffer accordingly, but also have fewer water issues to contend with as the cornice deteriorates. Some modern repairs improve upon the original design, mostly in how they are flashed. Not much more to say now, but thought it worth joining the discussion.

Ilene R. Tyler, FAIA, FAPT, LEED AP
Principal and Director of Preservation
o 734-663-5888
m 734-417-3730


On Feb 22, 2014, at 2:45 PM, [log in to unmask] wrote:

 
 
In a message dated 2/22/2014 5:20:19 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes:
It is my opinion that buildings without cornices tend to suffer greater deterioration of the masonry and walling in the upper portions of the walls; particularly problems with dampness, and erosion of mortar.  That said, poorly constructed or maintained cornices can lead to their own share of deterioration in the upper portions of walls.
Now that does have to be true,   Less water, less damage.  
 
But ... is that actually why they were installed?  Did architects/owners say "yup, gotta get a cornice here"?   I doubt that - why else would 100% of buildings lack any cornice whatsoever, not even a little burp, on the non-street fronts?   Same with 19th c rowhouses - big wooden cornice on front, nothing on back.  Then, too, Chrysler, Empire, Cities Service any tall building - no cornices.  Indeed let us state a hypothesis - the cornice disappears when it is no longer perceptible from the street. 
 
Also, at this time, no discussion whatsoever "oh, golly, that William Van Alen, didn't put a cornice on the Chrysler, that's gonna cost him!"
 
Sir, I think you are trying to turn my world ... upside down!
 
Yrs.   Top o' the world.
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