Quoins aesthetic effect in a home

Corners have been used for centuries as an architectural feature in homes. While structurally no longer required, people associate quoins with high-end buildings and homes because they visually reinforce the corners of a wall. Corners make a building appear to be constructed of solid materials, which may not be the first choice for glass wall construction, but aesthetically fits most residential buildings very well.

Adding quoins to a home is a versatile renovation project that can be done on most siding. Styrofoam core corners that are covered with a cement bead can simply be adhered directly to Brick, ICF, Precast, EIFS and Stucco using a cement based adhesive. Any home with 90 degree corners can have corner pieces butted to each other, or spaced between them.

In addition to their aesthetic role, corners can also serve a protective role in homes with siding that is more prone to damage, such as EIFS, Hardie Board, and vinyl siding. Anyone who has shoveled too close to sensitive material knows the scratches and even outright damage that can be done without too much effort. Because quoins are individual pieces, damaging them is easy to repair or even replace if necessary. The original quoin can be removed and replaced with a brand new part without any sign of damage. In contrast to siding that would require an entire section of wall to be replaced, the cost savings can be thousands of dollars.

The color options are almost limitless, making it ideal for existing homes. Corners are typically purchased in a common concrete gray color, ready to be painted in a color of the homeowner’s choice. Exterior grade masonry paints can be purchased from an EIFS distributor that sells Dryvit, Sto or Senergy products, or at your local hardware store. It is important to use a paint that is intended for exposure to the outdoor elements and is designed for concrete or masonry.

Selecting a color can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be with a little guidance. A basic option is to select the same color as the rest of the walls so that the corners blend in and make the house look monolithic. A more common option is to select a color that is slightly lighter or darker than the siding on your home. A darker color will help accentuate the corners, making them more prominent and drawing the attention of passers-by. A shade lighter than your wall will enhance the wall color and create a “softer” overall visual appearance of your home.