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Remodeling Design Dilemma Exterior

Exterior window surround dilemma- EIFS house

Joan Ernst Interior Design

last year

Embarking on an exterior improvement project. So far the new windows and front door are in. Will soon be adding some stonework around the garage area and a portico/porch to front door area. New shutters also and of course a good power wash. The design dilemma is the foam eifs keystone header and sill on the windows. I hate them! Would love to remove but i fear that would compromise the eifs/dryvit structure. One thought is to smooth out the existing and put Tibur Stone finish over it to try to mimic limestone. Are there any creative souls out there that have a better idea or product to improve the look of the window surrounds??

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Comments (4)

PRO
Beth H. :
last year
last modified: last year
your whole house pic is thumbnail size. can't really see anything.

if you painted the 'keystone' the same as the fininsh, you prob wouldn't even see it. why not try that first

or try and remove one and see what's behind it.

If they're foam, carefully try to saw them flat. maybe replace w/what's on the bottom?
njmomma
last year
I agree with @Beth paint them the same color as your home.
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Alice May Allsop
last year
It's great that you're making improvements to the exterior of your home! The foam EIFS keystone header and sill on the windows can be a design challenge, but there are some options to improve their appearance.

Here are a few ideas to consider:
1. Smooth out and paint over the existing EIFS keystone header and sill: If you don't want to remove the existing EIFS keystone header and sill, you can smooth out the texture and then paint over it with a color that matches the rest of your exterior. This can help to blend the keystone in with the rest of the facade and make it less noticeable.
2. Install new window surrounds: Another option is to install new window surrounds that are made of a material that you like better than the existing foam EIFS. This can be a good option if you want to change the style of your home's exterior. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as wood, vinyl, or metal, and there are many different styles available.
3. Create faux stone finishes: You mentioned the idea of putting a Tibur Stone finish over the existing EIFS keystone header and sill to mimic limestone. This is a great idea, and there are many products available that can help you achieve this look. Some popular options include cultured stone veneer, stucco finishes, and faux stone panels.
4. Add architectural details: If you want to keep the existing EIFS keystone header and sill but make them look more interesting, you can add some architectural details to them. For example, you could install decorative molding or trim around the keystone to give it a more finished look. You could also add brackets or corbels to the underside of the sill to make it more visually appealing.
Whatever option you choose, it's important to work with a contractor who has experience with EIFS and understands how to properly install and maintain it. They can help you choose the best solution for your home's exterior and ensure that the work is done safely and effectively.
PRO
Joan Ernst Interior Design
Original Author
last year
thank you for your thoughtful response. i have decided to remove and replace. will update with a photo when job complete!

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