Historic Resources Committee

Parapet coping stones were often fastened together on the top surface using steel u-shaped cramps. To protect the resulting steel and stone from weather, the 2"w x 8"l x 1" d slot was filled with molten lead. Is molten lead still used to repair these joints? Does anyone have experience using substitute materials? These joints are not to be confused with the typical butt joints between stone where products like, Weathershield, can be used to cover the horizontal joint. I am looking to avoid using pourable sealants.

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Peter Meijer AIA
Principal
Peter Meijer Architect, PC
Portland OR
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Peter,

I've worked on projects before where we specify lead weather caps- strips of T-shaped lead (not molten) which is fitted into the joints to cover them. 

One example:
http://www.weathercap.net/

I've also seen projects (but not worked on them myself) where a wider flange on the T is specified- I believe to provide better coverage, especially at wider joints.

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Cory Trembath AIA
Building Conservation Associates, Inc.
Boston MA
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