There are several construction materials commonly used in historic commercial and residential properties. Architectural sheet metal is one of those materials, in large part due to its strength and application versatility, but also because of its visual appeal. Architectural sheet metal serves a variety of structural purposes, but it’s also used in decorative applications, particularly in commercial properties such as churches, libraries, university buildings, and government buildings.
While architectural sheet metal is sometimes easy to spot, it’s another thing entirely to understand how it’s used, its ideal applications, and what to know about successfully restoring or replacing it. With this in mind, let’s briefly look at the ins and outs of architectural sheet metal to help historic property owners better realize the value of this construction material, and how to best care for this aspect of their historic property.
understanding architectural sheet metal
Architectural sheet metal is a metal sheet that is fabricated and modified into a variety of shapes and sizes for use in a wide range of building applications. Architectural sheet metal can be used both indoors and outdoors, and this construction material is prized for its ability to protect the structural integrity of a building while also enhancing the aesthetic value.
Architectural sheet metal can be produced using a range of base materials, some of which include:
- Stainless steel
- Architectural bronze
- Aluminum
- Copper
While architectural sheet metal is used in modern construction for its sleek, streamlined appearance, it was used in the construction of historic buildings for its ability to resist corrosion and damage from a wide spectrum of environmental elements.
What makes architectural sheet metal a unique element in historic structures is the high degree of skill and craftsmanship required to fabricate, repair, or replace sheets. The myriad of application possibilities means restoration technicians need to have a wealth of experience and knowledge about the best practices for working with these materials. Such work can require the use of specialized tools and equipment to fabricate sheets that can protect a structure and maintain the historical integrity of the building.
common applications for architectural sheet metal
Often used to enhance the strength and beauty of historic buildings, architectural sheet metal is used in a floor-to-ceiling way in both commercial and residential structures. Some applications for this material include:
- Turrets
- Domes
- Cornices
- Steeples
- Clock towers
- Bell towers
- Bay windows
- Cupolas
- Facades
- Ornaments
- Entablature
- Other metal components, including gutters, downspouts, scupper boxes, collector boxes, statues, vents, and metal roof flashings
The large number of applications stems from the fact that architectural sheet metal is a highly customizable construction material that can be shaped and molded to precise specifications. Architectural sheet metal is also an extremely flexible material, which makes it ideal to use in small or challenging spaces, and it’s well suited for use in highly detailed applications.
challenges in working with architectural sheet metal
There are numerous challenges in working with architectural sheet metal, particularly given the range of applications in historic structures. First, the detailed, customizable nature of the material opens the door for blemishes in the fabrication of bends or arches, or for gaps in joining unique shaped pieces. In addition, custom fabrication often means that restoration providers must outsource this work to third-party contractors who may lack an understanding of the detail and craftsmanship required.
What’s more, the flexible nature of architectural sheet metal makes the material more prone to errors in the forming of sheets. These errors can manifest in wrinkles and splits, and these defects can compromise the structural integrity and protection of the sheet and detract from the visual appearance of a historic property.
what's unique about renaissance's architectural sheet metal capabilities?
Aside from more than three decades of experience in fabricating and shaping architectural sheet metal for use in commercial and residential buildings, Renaissance maintains its own in-house copper studio to accelerate and streamline the process of fabricating custom metal pieces for almost any application.
This $1 million+ investment includes state-of-the-art technology, tools, and resources to fabricate and shape custom architectural sheet metal, and the in-house nature of our copper studio ensures a high level of craftsmanship and quality no matter the project.
For example, restoration of the famed Funderburg Museum in Northern Illinois required the fabrication and shaping of custom architectural sheet metal for both structural and aesthetic applications.
Pairing our in-house copper studio with our comprehensive property assessment and planning services can ensure your historic property is properly restored and preserved for generations to come. Schedule your property assessment today.
