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Windows Exterior Design Dilemma

Brick or trim between picture window?

last year

Trying to decide between brick vs trim between these parts of a picture window. Contractor noticed and asked mason to pause for our decision…I’m having a hard time finding exterior views of windows like this.

The rest of this face/side will be brick up to the gable. We had talked about doing some decorative brick work above the arch. There will also be a large step the width of this window area once patio completed.

I have my opinions, but disagreeing with my husband! Help!!

Featured Answer

PRO

HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC

last year

100% add trim.

1) its a more conventional look (at least in my area)

2) More importantly, it will allow for a full replacement of those windows with full flashing detail if/when desired down the road. If brick is installed right up the the frame (over the nail fins) that will limit your options when that time comes. Its not "wrong" per se, we do encounter it on occassion, but it does really prevent the most comprehensive type of installtion from being done when the time for replacement comes.

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Comments (16)

nkjoly
Original Author
last year
I had pictured the windows as all 1 unit, so the trim would tie them together. Would also help them pop.

Worried the brick will divide them and make them recede

But maybe it doesn’t matter…since it’s a large window?
PRO
Debbi Washburn
last year
That's a tough one. Personally I like the idea of trim around all of it - it is a break to all the brick .

Could not find pics of your specific configuration, but maybe these will help:

Good luck!
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A McMansion, huh? Didn't know people were still pursuing this architectural design with all that had been written about avoiding this style trap. The house is huge and hulking and is mostly roof/attic. McMansion is a slang term that describes a large, often opulent or ostentatious, mass- produced house. The name carries a somewhat critical connotation because McMansions lack architectural uniqueness, class, or style. You keep referring to gray...................nothing in your current palette is gray. If they look gray to you, then there are online color blindness tests you can take to determine if you are seeing colors correctly. What's with the large brick corbels at the base of all the gables? Just another applied detail with no design basis. . Do you think you understand exactly how much roof you have on your home as currently designed??????? And how much that roof is costing you?? McMansions
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Lyn Nielson
last year
Trim gets my vote, the windows look too simple without the full trim.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
I vote for the trim instead of the brick.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
When you agreed to that big a__ window, did you ever think about the window coverings inside the room?
elcieg
last year
last modified: last year
No more brick. Your install is replicating foundation. You have so many windows and roof lines, now is the time to tone it down.

What do you mean that there will be a step onto a patio?
nkjoly
Original Author
last year
Thank you all for the comments and pics thus far.

Re: Big window - the patio is beautifully shaded by 2 big trees, so the sun doesn’t beam in.

Re: windows and rooflines - it is a hit busy, but this is an addition to a traditional colonial and the only place we could add extra ceiling height (8’ everywhere else). We had to match certain rooflines to keep the front looking intentional :)
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
last year
+whatever number I am...to the trim votes.
oberon476
last year
also think it should be trim
PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
last year
Not to throw a wrench into anything, but that window flashing tape should be under the Tyvek on the substrate, not over it. If they "double taped" that is fine, but if that is the only tape (on top of the tyvek), that is a potential leakage issue down the road. This is particularly crucial on a curved window like that with no overhang.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
last year
Good catch HomeSealed

Not likely that its double taped and it will probably be easier to just run another layer of WRB over it.
millworkman
last year
Trim.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
Trim . IMO any stone or brick should look like it is actaully holding up the house so like a foundation or no brick stuck on at all. For sure it needs to go all around the house and you have the right look for the brick you have do not add anymore.
nkjoly
Original Author
last year
Thanks everyone. We are set!
3onthetree
last year
last modified: last year
. . . and I would lower the brick kneewall under the window to the same course as the doors.

. . . and since you introduced a lone arch window, the full-width step from door-to-door would shadow the arch of the window.

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