Courthouse, School, Adams Co. GIS, Marion 911, Siemens & Surveying Projects
Read More >>
Hancock County Courthouse Roof Repair
This courthouse was designed in 1907. It is a Neo-Classical design and is considered to be one of the landmark courthouses in Illinois. It is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Phase I:
This phase consisted of repainting the existing galvanized iron located above the main roof line. The metal had the original paint in most locations.
Peeling paint left the metal exposed to the elements and allowed deterioration of the numerous ornate metal features. Some of the features were the metal bases at the four small corner domes and the palmette finials on those domes.
On the central dome there were dentils, brackets fascias, columns, pilasters, arches which were repainted.
Other ornate metal elements consisted of acroteria, antefixa and a highly visible statue of “Lady Liberty” holding the scales of justice (a very appropriate symbol for a courthouse.)
Phase II:
Consisted of replacing the existing asphalt shingled roofing. As requested by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency of Illinois, the replacement shingles were a red color. The original roof was of red terracotta tiles which were removed prior to this project.
Also as part of this phase was the installation of lead coated copper gutters, valleys and flashings. Lead coated copper was selected because of its durability and workability. There were many complicated details where gutters and valleys intersected.
There was also a waterproofing membrane placed under the roof shingles at vulnerable locations such as eaves and valleys and flashings around the domes.
Phase III:
Consists of repairs to the walls and roof overhang.
The roof overhang was of galvanized iron similar to Phase I.
In addition to the overhang work, windows and doors were scraped and painted.
Summary:
The reason for multiple phasing of the project was to allow for repair dollars to be spread over three fiscal years and to address the most critical restoration issues in a logical and timely manner.
Note: photos were taken prior to restoration
