BACK to SHEET LEAD ROOFING
The A.A. Heaps Building
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Sheet Lead Cladding of Terra Cotta Masonry Dome.
Exposure of this masonry terra cotta to repeated freeze thaw cycles resulted in deterioration beyond repair by normal restoration methods. Waterproof cladding in sheet lead was proposed because the extreme malleability of this material permits forming over almost any detail without excessive preparation or hand work. Such work would not have been economically feasible in any other common metal.
Modernization of the Heaps building during the 1960’s to meet changing requirements was minimal and allowed the bank to maintain its 1910 terra cotta crafted façade. The lobby and banking hall contain sumptuous marble, mahogany, and brass and gilded details. The bank moved to new offices at Portage & Main and the building currently houses provincial government services. Below, see how the dilapidated terracotta was beyond repair by conventional methods.
Dome before restoration
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Condition photo before restoration
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Typical condition of the terracotta
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Progress on dome
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Progress
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Exposure of this masonry terra cotta to repeated freeze thaw cycles resulted in deterioration beyond repair by normal restoration methods. Waterproof cladding in sheet lead was proposed because the extreme malleability of this material permits forming over almost any detail without excessive preparation or hand work.
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Upper dome area
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Upper dome at flagpole level
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Prior to restoration
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