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Moravian Preservation Master Plan.indb - Society for College and ...

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<strong>Moravian</strong> <strong>College</strong> • <strong>Preservation</strong> <strong>Master</strong> <strong>Plan</strong><br />

makes it a reliable replacement material. It is<br />

relatively easy to match the color <strong>and</strong> texture of<br />

historic Indiana limestone. Replacing slate requires<br />

careful matching to available materials, which can<br />

range from mauve to gray to green.<br />

9.4 Metals<br />

Metals are found in various architectural elements,<br />

including h<strong>and</strong>rails, light fixtures, <strong>and</strong> gates. The<br />

metals most frequently used in architecture are<br />

alloys containing lead, tin, zinc, copper, nickel,<br />

aluminum, <strong>and</strong> iron. Iron <strong>and</strong> its alloys, including<br />

steel, are particularly prevalent because of the<br />

moderate production costs brought about by<br />

technological breakthroughs in manufacturing<br />

in the late nineteenth century. Metal elements are<br />

inherently durable if properly maintained. Metals<br />

used in the production of doors, windows, <strong>and</strong> their<br />

associated hardware will be dealt with separately<br />

in the section on doors <strong>and</strong> windows.<br />

Typical Metal Conditions<br />

Architectural metalwork is present in historic<br />

buildings at <strong>Moravian</strong> <strong>College</strong> as entrance h<strong>and</strong>rails<br />

<strong>and</strong> balustrades, lighting fixtures, plaques, gates,<br />

cupolas, finials, <strong>and</strong> fire escapes. The majority of<br />

this exterior metalwork appears to be in relatively<br />

good condition.<br />

Metal Inspection<br />

Architectural metalwork should be included in<br />

regular cyclical maintenance inspections. Metal<br />

h<strong>and</strong>rails <strong>and</strong> gates should be inspected as part of<br />

entrance <strong>and</strong> access safety. Rooftop ornament should<br />

be inspected during roof surveys, particularly to<br />

ensure that they are properly anchored. Inspections<br />

should note any of the following potential signs of<br />

deterioration.<br />

• Loose h<strong>and</strong>rails.<br />

• Loose anchors or attachments.<br />

• Missing rails or decorative elements.<br />

• Rust or rust staining through paint.<br />

• Cracking or other disruption at anchors <strong>and</strong><br />

screws.<br />

• Cracking through soldered joints.<br />

Causes of Metal Deterioration<br />

Corrosion is the major cause of deterioration of<br />

architectural metalwork <strong>and</strong> is exacerbated by the<br />

presence of moisture. Corrosion can be caused by<br />

structural stress, electrochemical reaction with<br />

dissimilar metals, or corrosive environments, such<br />

as salt-laden water. It is accelerated wherever water<br />

collects against metal elements, such as at post<br />

anchor locations in masonry. Metals undergoing<br />

corrosion are slowly reverting to their natural ores,<br />

such as iron oxide. This process involves significant<br />

expansion of the corroding metal, which can cause<br />

extensive masonry cracking.<br />

Architectural metals can also deteriorate from<br />

mechanical failures, such as overloading or fatigue.<br />

For example, excessive use of h<strong>and</strong>rails will slowly<br />

work sections loose from their anchors <strong>and</strong> disrupt<br />

the masonry at the anchor connections. The exposed<br />

nature of metal fire escapes can lead to corrosion<br />

<strong>and</strong> potential life-safety issues. Fire escapes should<br />

be inspected regularly.<br />

Metal Repair<br />

The architectural metalwork at <strong>Moravian</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s<br />

historic buildings can be maintained through<br />

proper surface preparation <strong>and</strong> application of<br />

protective coatings. Deteriorated paint should be<br />

removed using appropriate methods, including<br />

wire-brushing <strong>for</strong> non-decorative elements<br />

exhibiting light rust, or chemical paint removal <strong>for</strong><br />

heavier built-up paint. Severe corrosion may require<br />

that entire sections of metalwork be removed to a<br />

shop <strong>for</strong> repair. The newly-cleaned metal should be<br />

immediately protected with a rust-inhibiting primer.<br />

Alkyl-based enamel paints are recommended <strong>for</strong><br />

finishing iron alloys. Latex <strong>and</strong> other water-based<br />

paints are not recommended.<br />

Metal Replacement<br />

When metalwork components are beyond repair,<br />

replacement of the element with reproduction metal<br />

is a practical solution. Where new or replacement<br />

h<strong>and</strong>rails are required, they should match the<br />

characteristic environment of the character area.<br />

Modern stock h<strong>and</strong>rails are not appropriate <strong>for</strong><br />

most historic buildings, though sympathetic<br />

modern installations can be found. Decorative light<br />

fixtures <strong>and</strong> finials should be reproduced to match<br />

the existing historic elements in size, thickness, <strong>and</strong><br />

details.<br />

John Milner Associates • October 2009 • Chapter 9 • Building Guidelines • 293

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