A Simple, Stylish Cornice Return

A few years ago, I did a comprehensive addition and remodeling project that included new rooflines and varied slopes, two doghouse dormers, and a total exterior trim and siding replacement. A nice reworking of the cornice return on the architect’s blueprints found that, unlike other sealant types, polyurethane bonds well to that resinous species. For the doghouse dormers, I scaled the detail down by about 25% to look proportionate with the smaller roof outline (Figure 2). With the fascia and returns assembled and installed, we cut the rake boards between the ridge and returns, and added the 3-inch-wide strips. The beveled-edge eaves strip was nailed to a chalk line. Although the top edge of the strip leans away from the