Water Test

Since the goal of this project is to stop water infiltration, tests have to be done in order to correctly identify the location and cause of leaks. On Wednesday the project team did a water test on the dome. As you can see in the photo, water was sprayed on the outside of the dome to simulate a rain storm while other project team members stood inside watching for leaks.

The test proved successful and we have now documented the areas prone to leaking. Some of the seams are letting in water, as is the connection between the weathervane and the dome. The next step will be to tighten up and seal those areas so that the water stays on the outside of the tower from now on.

Framing of the Tower Dome

The framing that supports the dome for our tower was on display this week in preparation for a water test. The framing is believed to be as old as 1748.

As you can see in the upper left photo, the original workers marked each beam and board to know exactly where it would go. This was common practice in the late 18th century. The workmen would have assembled the framing on the ground, marked each piece to be sure it fit, disassembled the framing, hauled it up to the top of the tower, and then completed the final assembly.

A Peek Under the Roof

Our crew has opened both the upper and lower roofs of the tower to investigate water infiltration and in preparation for a new copper roof. This picture highlights the framing of the eaves at the upper roof.

Tower Windows Leave for Repairs

Our carpentry crew has been hard at work this week carefully removing the tower windows, which date to 1882, for restoration. These windows are each composed of 5 pieces (2 upper sash, 2 lower sash, and 1 arch) per side. They are delicate and heavy, but the fact that the windows are able to be repaired and not replaced is a testament to their workmanship.

Pictured is the arch portion of one side.

Water Main Break Does Not Stop Restoration

As our local readers know, a water main ruptured early Saturday morning under the pedestrian mall on the south side of the Old State House. While the rupture caused major damage to the pedestrian mall, the Old State House and its scaffolding came away more or less unscathed. Restoration work progressed as usual Monday morning despite a large portion of the pedestrian mall still blocked off for repairs.

Field Repairs Set to Begin

Since removing siding and the balustrades, our team's attention has been shifted towards field repairs. Field repairs are used when only a small portion of the wood is damaged and full replacement is not necessary. Remember that we are doing our best to retain as much historic fabric (historic wood, paint, roofs, etc.) as we can.

Window Work to Begin Soon

The windows in the tower of the Old State House date to 1882 and over 125 years in Boston weather they are in need of repairs. Beginning this week, restoration carpenters from M&A Architectural Preservation will work to restore these historic windows. Inspecting the windows in the photo above is our preservation consultant Judy Selwyn of Preservation Technology Associates.