TThe classic Capitol Hill Screetscape is a number of colorful houses along tree streets that are equipped with black iron fences in front of us along our front gardens and iron stairs with elaborate Newel posts at the entrance to many of our houses. Some houses are decorated with decorated windows and decorative motifs on the roofs.
Why is iron work on the hill so widespread? According to a study by Judith M. Capen and Patrick Lally on the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (Chrs), it was partly because Capitol Hill recorded a time after civility during the time after civil, a time when the use of cast iron in construction also recorded a quick extension. Towards the end of the 19th century there were up to fifteen foundries in the district alone. This made decorated iron work more accessible, as patterns too expensive to have carved in wood or stone could now be cast in iron.
Some of these iron work are one and a half centuries old. But let's say the experts can take an indefinite period with proper maintenance.
Maintain iron work
The founder of Federal City Ironworks (Föderalcityiron.com) Marshall can suggest that the homeowner is examined or inspected by the homeowner at least every three years. Rust is what you try to recognize. May says that new rust is light orange and, with increasing age, turns into a deep red and almost purple color. Also check whether cracks or broken or missing parts are weakened and the iron work is weakened and inputs for water.
Where rust is found, it should be scraped off with a metal brush. If a brush does not fit, you can use a flat head screwdriver, said May. Then the area should be cleaned with a dry rag to remove dust or particles from the surface. Finally, the area should be painted with a high -quality color that is supposed to stick to metal. May suggests that homeowners use Rust oleum.
Sand radiation is a way to remove color layers. However, this requires the protection of the masonry of the house to avoid damage. An alternative CHRS recommends stripping iron work with a combination of warmth, metal brushes and chemical strippers. The disadvantage of this method is that most chemical strippers are messy and have a strong smell. Striped metal should be prepared immediately to avoid rust.
Maintain stairs
What about the stairs? “Gussisen stairs require less maintenance when it comes to color, since the lack of or damaged color does not injure cast iron in the long run,” said May. It is the joints that are at risk: the mechanical compounds between uprisings and between the railing, level and climb.
What homeowners have to pay attention are on levels or landings, cracked or missing sections and falling stairs. If you inspect the stairs, don't forget to check under the riser that may not have been painted. Also check places where parts are screwed together where rust accumulates. This can weaken the connections and separate parts.
Cast iron stairs can be properly repaired. Did you know, for example, that an iron stair post is generally hollow, is attached to the staircase by an interior post on the staircase, which is screwed to the riser and then covered? If, for example, this post is not properly restored by welding, it can damage the stairs.
“I would normally suggest that if you think you have a problem with your cast iron stairs, a offer,” said May. He recommends that the basic maintenance of cast iron stairs will be carried out at least every five or ten years. This is mainly to ensure that the screws on the stairs are still in good condition and that expansion rust does not put pressure on the joints. Most people are waiting much longer than they should be repaired before they have their stairs repaired and cost more money in the long run.
If your home is in the Capitol Hill Historic District, you must preserve these elements and replacement materials must be compatible with the defining features of the area. Chrs recommends that homeowners repair stairs if possible, search for parts from salvage or even replicate. Experts can often find ways to replicate or repair parts. In some cases, different materials can be used, depending on whether the replacement is decorative or structural.
Maintaining your ironwork is a worthy investment. Victorian Ironwork is durable, strong, fire -resistant, beautiful and helps to define both individual houses and the historic quarter of Capitol Hill.
Find out more about Federal City IronWorks at Föderalisch -Eisen.com. Read more about the history and maintenance of historical iron work at Chrs.org.