The Devil's in the Thingee

Twin gabled dormers with criss-cross vergeboards (or fascia boards).



Vergeboards, are also known as bargeboards, fly rafters, gable rafters, gable boards, fascia, fascia boards, and barge rafters.

It's that long piece of wood hanging from the projecting edge of the roof.


Inspired by a client's recent purchase, I sought other examples of this seemingly singular decorative riff.

Was it a one-off, the three dollar bill of bargeboards, the fancy of a visionary owner-builder?


Hardly, X marks the spot throughout high-ranking Harvard Heights and in L.L. Bowen's buff Normandie Avenue tract in King Estates.


Some are accompanied by a phalanx of brackets and others have elaborated (shaped) ends, including coves, scrolls, and slants.


Sadly, in some instances the tips have been clipped, likely victims of rot, neglect, and dreadful taste.


The word fascia also applies to a band or fillet of cloth.

You want a part 2, anybody?