Renovation of a lead-coated copper clock tower of a hospital in White Plains, NY

Posted on: 10/04/2024

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This metal tower was in a sorry state, with peeling paint and significant wear allowing water to penetrate and contaminate the internal structure.

The photos speak for themselves.

An ancient technique used since the Middle Ages

Lead-coated copper sheeting and flashing combine the positive aspects of both copper and lead.

Copper roofing has been used since the Middle Ages; it is lightweight, flexible, weather and corrosion resistant, and extremely durable—with a typical minimum lifespan of 75 years, even reaching up to 100 years!

The lead-copper combination creates a material that is both highly durable and easy to work with. It is ideal for wrapping complex facades, flashing around chimneys, and protecting a roof from the elements for more than a lifetime.

Since it involved lead, skilled workers and specific techniques were needed to restore this clock tower.

Sanding or stripping was out of the question!

The solution involved thorough cleaning with residue recovery and repairing the holes.

RD-Elastometal was selected to protect the tower.

Why? Known for its high rustproofing and waterproofing properties, RD-Elastometal has also been tested for lead encapsulation according to ASTM E 1795 standards. Another important advantage, especially for this kind of historic construction, is that RD-Elastometal is single-component and water-based.

In other words, the product is easy to apply, has no pot life, and emits extremely low VOCs, benefiting the applicator who can take their time to properly paint the details.

To maintain a bright white finish, RD-Mur Acryl, a high-quality acrylic finish, was applied.

Almost 20 years later (photo taken in April 2024), its appearance is still impeccable!

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