Brownstone homes are part of Brooklyn’s identity—the dentils, brackets, moldings, and bold rooflines give these historic facades their unmistakable charm. But on many homes, the cornice (the decorative crown at the roof edge) is one of the first architectural features to show distress.
If you’re seeing peeling paint, leaks on the top floor, gaps around the brackets, or sections that look like they’re sagging, you’re not alone. Most NYC brownstones are 100+ years old, and their cornices are under constant attack from weather, water, and time.
The good news? With the right restoration approach, a failing cornice can be fully revived—often more durable, watertight, and historically accurate than when first built.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about brownstone cornice restoration & repair in Brooklyn, NY, based on more than 20 years of hands-on experience across Park Slope, Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, Carroll Gardens, Fort Greene, and beyond.
1. Why Brownstone Cornices Fail (and Why Timely Repair Matters)
A brownstone cornice isn’t just decoration—it’s the roof’s first line of defense. When it fails, water begins entering the building envelope, causing damage that gets exponentially worse (and more expensive) the longer it’s ignored.
Most common causes of failure in Brooklyn:
Freeze–thaw cycles cause cracking and joint movement Wind-driven rain penetrates unsealed returns and seams Clogged gutters overflow into the cornice structure Rust expands metal, pushing apart joints Rot weakens wood fascia and brackets Incompatible past repairs—caulking over rot, wrong mortars, or metal too thin for NYC weather
Unchecked cornice deterioration can lead to:
Falling debris (a real safety hazard) Damage to interior ceilings and walls Structural framing failure Emergency scaffolding or a sidewalk shed
Acting early is always cheaper, safer, and easier.
2. Our Expertise: 20+ Years of Brownstone Cornice Restoration in NYC
For over two decades, we’ve restored brownstone cornices across Brooklyn and NYC’s landmark districts. Our approach blends historic craftsmanship with modern building science, meaning we restore the exact architectural details homeowners love—while upgrading the components you can’t see, like waterproofing and drainage.
What sets our work apart:
Full mock-up and sample approval before final fabrication Precise profile replication using templates taken on-site Warranties tied to substrate prep, not just coatings Photo logs documenting every stage of the project Landmark-friendly materials & methods that preserve original character
We specialize in:
Wood cornices (cedar & mahogany) Sheet metal cornices (galvanized, copper, zinc) Historic brownstone cornice profiles using mineral repair mortars Hybrid systems (wood substrate with sheet-metal cladding) Selective use of fiberglass on non-landmarked buildings
Our work is designed not just to look right—but to last.
3. Types of Brownstone Cornices We Restore
Wood Cornices
Common in many 19th-century brownstones, with:
Milled fascia Brackets Dentils Crown moldings
We repair these using rot-resistant wood, epoxy consolidation, and elastomeric coatings.
Sheet Metal Cornices
Galvanized metal, copper, zinc, or tin-clad:
Lock-seamed assemblies Built-in gutters Decorative stamped panels
We replicate original metalwork using traditional bending and seaming techniques.
Brownstone / Sandstone Cornices
These require mineral-based repair mortars, breathable sealers, and precision stone patching.
Hybrid Cornices
Common configuration:
Wood framing Metal cladding Integral gutters
These require a careful balance of carpentry + metalwork + waterproofing.
4. Top Signs Your Cornice Needs Repair
If you notice any of these, schedule an inspection:
Interior leaks on the top-floor Paint peeling or alligatoring Brownstone spalling or flaking Sagging or out-of-plane sections Open joints, cracks, or visible gaps Rust staining on metal faces Soft spots or rot in wood components Gutters overflowing or pulling away
Cornice damage is almost always worse behind the surface than what you can see from the sidewalk.
5. Repair vs. Full Replacement: What Homeowners Should Know
We always try to repair first—but only if it’s safe, durable, and cost-effective.
We repair when:
Substrate is sound Profiles can be accurately replicated Damage is localized Landmark staff approves partial restoration
We replace when:
Structural framing is compromised Most of the profile is lost to rot or corrosion Gutter design needs modernizing The cornice is beyond stabilization Full landmark replication is required
Repairs cost less and preserve more historic material.
Replacements ensure uniform longevity and perfect water management.
Both have a place—our job is to guide you clearly to the right choice.
6. Our Step-by-Step Cornice Restoration Process
(Explained simply, without contractor jargon)
1. Inspection & Assessment
Street-level and roof-level survey Moisture testing Opening small probe holes where needed Creating profile templates and mapping damage
2. Planning & Permits
Scope of work Material samples Landmark approvals (if required) Scheduled start date
3. Protection & Setup
Scaffold or boom lift Sidewalk protection Weatherproofing as needed
4. Selective Removal
Only damaged components removed Sound materials preserved Hidden rot or corrosion exposed
5. Rebuilding & Fabrication
Depending on the type:
Wood: epoxy-scarf repairs, new millwork, stainless fasteners Metal: brake-formed panels, lock seams, soldered copper Stone: mineral repair mortars and breathable sealers
6. Waterproofing
This is where we go beyond “just fixing what’s visible”:
Flashings behind vulnerable joints Membranes at transitions Proper gutter regrading and overflows Butyl/polyurethane sealants
7. Priming & Coating
Substrate-specific primers High-build elastomeric coatings Anti-corrosive treatments for metal
8. Final Inspection & Warranty
Homeowners receive:
Photo logs Maintenance recommendations Warranty documentation
7. NYC Landmark & DOB Rules (Simplified)
Landmarks (LPC)
If your home is in a landmark district:
Most cornice work requires LPC staff-level approval Like-for-like materials and profiles are preferred Full Commission review may be needed for major changes
We handle the entire LPC process for you.
DOB Requirements
Exterior work often requires a permit Scaffolding and sidewalk sheds must be filed LL11/FISP applies to buildings 6+ stories
Even for smaller homes, we follow LL11 safety best practices.
8. Real Case Studies (Homeowner-Friendly Summaries)
Park Slope – 8-Unit Brownstone
Before: Rotting dentils, leaking built-in gutters, widespread paint failure
Work: Wood scarf repairs, copper gutter relining, elastomeric coating
Challenge: Tight scaffold setup on a high-traffic street
Result: Crisp profiles, no leaks, 10-year coating warranty
Bedford-Stuyvesant – Landmark Rowhouse
Before: Brownstone spalling, rust stains, open joints
Work: LPC-approved mineral mortars, stainless pins, flashing upgrades
Challenge: Strict landmark profile requirements
Result: Seamless restoration with improved water management
Carroll Gardens – Mixed Wood/Metal Cornice
Before: Metal seam failure and hidden rot
Work: New lock-seamed cladding, epoxy wood consolidation, full coating system
Challenge: Matching legacy seam patterns
Result: Durable, watertight, architecturally correct
9. Pricing & Timeline: What to Expect
Typical Price Range
Cornice Repairs: $12,000 – $45,000 Full Replacement: $45,000 – $150,000+
Pricing depends on:
Material choice (e.g., copper vs galvanized) Profile complexity Landmark requirements Scaffold or sidewalk shed costs Gutter system design Season and scheduling
Timeline
Repairs: 1–4 weeks Replacement: 4–10+ weeks (including approvals & fabrication)
We provide clear schedules and progress updates throughout.
10. Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Cornice
You can dramatically reduce future costs by following these simple steps:
✔ Clean gutters at least twice a year
✔ Inspect after major storms
✔ Look for early signs—flaking paint, small cracks, rust streaks
✔ Avoid power washing brownstone
✔ Re-seal movement joints every 3–5 years
Most major cornice failures start small—maintenance catches issues early.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a restored cornice last?
With proper materials and waterproofing: 20–40 years, sometimes longer.
Do I need a permit?
Often yes—especially for scaffolding or landmark homes. We handle filings.
Can you restore cornices in winter?
Yes for metal and some wood repairs. Stone and coatings depend on temperature.
Do you match original profiles?
Absolutely. We template every molding and replicate it exactly.
How do I know if I need repair or replacement?
We’ll show you photo documentation so you can make an informed decision.
Ready to Restore Your Brownstone Cornice?
Your cornice protects your home from leaks, weather, and long-term structural damage. If you’re seeing signs of deterioration—or just want a professional inspection—our team is here to help.
📞 Call now to schedule your brownstone cornice evaluation: 917-674-9488
Or request an appointment through our contact form.
Protect your home. Preserve your architecture. Restore it right.
