TORONTO, July 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- If you're looking for a home that offers lasting curb appeal, consider door and window detailing in stone or brick.
Whether it's clean, contemporary lines or a design that exudes the durability of old-world charm, masonry works wonders in lending a permanent brand of architectural detailing, no matter what your home style.
While shutters have been used for years to accent windows and doors, there's a more dramatic way to add character and style to your exterior. New homeowners and builders seem to be getting that message as customized masonry detailing is a trend that continues to climb.
"Builders need to attract buyers by doing a little more and that's why we're incorporating a lot of stone and brick detailing into our homes," says upscale custom home builder Rick Rondeau, owner of Fourteen Estates. "Not only is this trend going into custom houses but we're also seeing it in subdivisions where builders are highlighting windows and doors because that adds an element of glamour."
Stone and brick detailing, which is sometimes referred to as a door or window surround, generally comprise a header made of brick or a decorative precast moulding above the window, door or garage. Sometimes this header is supported by two vertical rails that rest on a sill at the base of the frame.
Brick and stone detailing come in many shapes, sizes, colours, textures and profile arrangements. The look can be plain with a smooth finish or extremely ornate with intricate lines, shapes and designs.
Oakville-based builder Rosehaven Homes doesn't typically build a home without some kind of architectural detailing around or above a window, door or garage. The medium-size builder favours historical designs that use brick profiling and colour to accent the home.
"It adds a certain aesthetic to a house," says Joe Laronga, Rosehaven's manager of architecture and engineering. "People don't want plain-Jane houses. Brick and stone detailing accents your home and adds importance to the home's architectural features."
Brick soldier coursing is a subtle yet attractive detail often used on the top of garage openings and windows or as a decorative accent along the base of a sill. This technique sees the bricks standing side-by-side vertically, like soldiers as the name implies. It can be a different colour than the house but its vertical pattern is what sets it apart and helps break the monolithic appearance of a masonry wall.
Keystones, which are wedge-shaped stones that accent the top centre of a window or garage opening, are used in a contrasting brick or stone colour and are often enlarged or decorated. When building Victorian-style homes, Rosehaven has featured a red-brick facade offset with buff-coloured stone. This sharp contrast is a traditional feature of Victorian designs.
Brick or stone quoining is an architectural detail often used on corners and sometimes around windows and doors. This purely ornamental design staggers the stone or brick, which adds interest and helps break the uniformity of the home's facade.
The size of surrounds should be proportionate to the size of the opening, although many homeowners choose to keep their surrounds the same size regardless of the size or shape of the opening. In terms of style, windows are naturally a little less ornate than doors thanks to their smaller size.
Exterior colour trends this year lean toward earthy tones such as rich reds, browns and grays, says Mountainview Homes' decor specialist Terri DeMelo. When selecting colours for masonry or brick, keep your home's resale potential in mind. Remember, you want a colour that stands the test of time and doesn't look dated as your neighbourhood develops.
DeMelo recommends colouring window surrounds a few shades lighter or darker than the home's facade for a subtle contrast that adds elegance. Save more stark contrasts for your main entryway, where you want to emphasize real impact.
"When you present a dramatic front door, it makes your home feel more inviting," she says. "Let's face it, these details give your home lasting curb appeal."
Aesthetics aren't the only reason to consider masonry, though. Adding stone or brick architectural detailing to windows and doors will increase your resale value in addition to making your house greener and cleaner.
Masonry emits significantly less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to vinyl building materials. And the fire safety benefits are obvious, as masonry does not burn. In addition, masonry is mould resistant as it more easily resists moisture and doesn't provide a food source for mould spores.
"Virtually all forms of masonry have earned high rankings among non-toxic building products," says Judy Pryma, sales and marketing vice president for Brampton Brick. "Brick, block or stone are cleaner, safer and more eco-friendly."
About MasonryWorx
MasonryWorx is the trade association of brick, block and stone masonry industry professionals. Its membership includes product manufacturers, suppliers and skilled professionals from across Ontario, and the organization is committed to providing homebuyers, homeowners, architects, engineers, builders and government leaders with accurate, timely information about the use and benefits of brick, block and stone products.
Quick facts about the masonry industry
- The masonry industry contributes $2.8 billion to Canada's GDP and $1.3 B of that to Ontario's economy.
- The masonry industry is responsible for 30,500 Canadian jobs, 14,220 in Ontario, resulting in $1.3 B in household income in Canada and $600 million in Ontario.
For more on the benefits of masonry, please visit www.masonryworx.com.
Sally Moore Executive Officer 905-760-9679 http://www.masonryworx.com sally@masonryworx.com
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