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