U.S. Capitol Dome Skirt Rehabilitation

Restoration of this significant historic landmark involved repair to the “skirt” of the Capitol dome. The skirt is a 30-foot cosmetic wall around the base of the dome, and the repair included work to mend cracks, missing bolts, and holes as well as repairs to the sandstone wall inside the skirt. The sandstone repairs included repointing the joints, replacing some damaged or missing portions of stone with Dutchmen pieces and filling cracks in the stone.

This project was especially unique in consideration of the type of materials used, as the stone and metal found on this building are of a different size or quality than other similar applications. In order to physically reach the points of necessary repair, hazardous material abatement was the first to be contained. The existing lead based paint was removed by chemicals on the sandstone and by blasting on the cast iron. After repairs are complete, the cast iron and sandstone were painted and sealed. The rain leader system was replaced with new piping and the installation of a structure for the tinning/roofing workers.