When contacted by First Congregational Church (built in 1802), their steeple had been having ongoing leak issues for some time. After removing and replacing the original wood shingles with a quality asphalt shingle 25 years ago, the steeple once again was in need of a new roof.

To help them save on cost, we utilized minimal scaffolding provided by local mason contractors and rigged the steeple with block and tackle rigging to remove, repair and replace safely.

It was suggested to go back to a wooden shingle due to the structural design of the steeple. However, FCC went one step further and decided to go with a modern copper shingle design. This type of application replicates the movement of wood or slate shingles allowing for proper flexability as well as providing superior protection from the elements.

We also made a few modifications to the apex of the spire to allow for a new copper finial to be securely installed and attached to the spire. We also re-designed the interior tension rods to accommodate the new copper shingle application and fabricated a new “Copper Clad” access door.

MORE at The Building Arts Notebook blog.