Hi Gordon and all All: Some thoughts on early 20th century cornice problems (endemic in the Northeast and Chicago). Check out:
*Standard Practice in Sheet Metal Work (1929) from SMACNA.org, a manual of original period details (this sheet metal trade org. began with cornices before HVAC)
*GFRC (glass fiber reinforced gypsum) as a substitute/repair material; Towne House Restoration does this work in NYC
*Ditto fiberglass (Architectural Fiberglass Corp. in NYC specializes in this work)
*W.F.Norman in Nevada OK (still offers some galvanized steel cornice parts)
Hope this helps -Gordon
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Gordon Bock
Principal
National Archives Associates
Kensington MD
Original Message:
Sent: 09-22-2016 20:53
From: Michael Malinowski
Subject: ornamental sheet metal
Hi Gordon
We have faced this situation a number of times and have saved the historic fabric by using automotive bondo, along with typical fiberglass mesh and/or light gage sheet metal backing as needed for areas that have 'little to no' metal left. This has been successful even where there was dramatic deterioration. I don't know that this type of work falls into any traditional 'trade' category but many craftspeople are familiar with the use bondo for car body repair; it is readily available.
If complete replacement is needed, there are artisans who can work with metal replicating just about anything - but repair may be easier.
We also just used the 'bondo' approach on a badly damaged 50 year old aluminum facade with success, with a silver spray paint closely matching the visual character of the undamaged aluminum nearby.
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Michael Malinowski AIA
Applied Architecture, Inc.
Sacramento CA
Original Message:
Sent: 09-21-2016 18:35
From: A. Atkinson
Subject: ornamental sheet metal
I'm attempting to restore an historic building in San Francisco that has elaborate sheet metal cornice and crown moulding on two facades. The 7 story building was built in 1929 and, unfortunately, was not well maintained. The sheet metal was fabricated in galvanized iron and is rusted to the point where much of it is irreparable. I'm having a very difficult time finding anyone on the West coast that does this kind of work and can find no information in industry literature on the restoration of architectural sheet metal.
Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing?
A. Gordon Atkinson, AIA
735A Taraval St. San Francisco, CA 94116
tel 415-731-9927 fax 415-731-9942