Tag Archives: Pennsylvania

Reproduction Curved Crown Moldings, for Queen Anne Residence.

Posted on February 25, 2016 by rtdgba

Native Woods Restoration Carpentry of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania did the restoration of this 1880 Queen Anne residence. In particular, reproduction of these distinctive curved “ovolo” crown moldings required a great deal of patience. Period architects and carpenters were not afraid of … Continue reading →

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Historic Building Conservators, the Conservative Option.

Posted on February 16, 2016 by rtdgba

Is restoration a slightly suspect word in the hierarchy of building maintenance methodology? The restorers have such a wealth of hands on experience that things generally go pretty well – – unless they don’t. It happens. Science and scholarship have … Continue reading →

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A Breathable Traditional Coating – – Lime Based “Whitewash”.

Posted on February 10, 2016 by rtdgba

For decades, now, paint companies have been touting “water based” latex paints, that supposedly outperform oil based paints in exterior applications, but don’t. That’s what advertising is for, getting you to buy the paint, but no amount of advertising can … Continue reading →

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Leaky Roof? Call the “Plumber”.

Posted on January 6, 2016 by rtdgba

“Plumber,” from the Latin, for lead, which is the metal which enables waterproof joints, in copper. As can be seen, the valleys, parapets and tower walls at First Presbyterian all conspire to concentrate water into basins which will accumulate and … Continue reading →

Posted in Roof Restoration, Steeples and Towers | Tagged | 1 Comment

Gilding of Sheet Copper Statue Atop Church Bell Tower

Posted on December 30, 2015 by rtdgba

Jack Hassler Company of Philadelphia, PA gilded the monumental hand formed sheet copper statue on the tower of the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, using 24.75 carat gold leaf. “24 carats” means that it is 24 parts out of 24 … Continue reading →

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Dry Laid Stone Walls Fit the Landscape and Last Forever.

Posted on October 27, 2015 by rtdgba

Everywhere we go in the world, everywhere there is stone, that is, there is a distinctive indigenous style of dry laid stonework. This is determined, of course, by characteristics and appearance of the local stone, but it also seems to … Continue reading →

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White Oak Lumber Salvaged from Gypsy Moth Kills

Posted on October 21, 2015 by rtdgba

Dead Wood Lumber of Wallaceton, PA is an innovative sawmill and lumber yard specializing in oak salvaged from the massive gypsy moth infestation some decades back. In Pennsylvania, over 4 million acres were defoliated in 1990, the peak year for … Continue reading →

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OLD SCHOOL: Jack Hassler Co., Inc., Founded 1900, Union Shop.

Posted on September 21, 2015 by rtdgba

Anyone who has managed a restoration business through its first decade will understand the dedication and pride of brothers Frank and John Kenny, owners of Jack Hassler Co., Inc., now entering its eleventh.  In 1900, when steeplejack Jack Hassler founded … Continue reading →

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