Project Evaluation

The replacement of the stamped sheet metal siding on the Hexagon demonstrates a successful effort to work with a fairly uncommon exterior siding material. The project team is pleased with the exact match between the historic and the new siding and with the restored historic appearance of the house.

While the historic appearance of the building's exterior was successfully replicated, the addition of the insulation and vapor barrier required the removal and, unfortunately, the loss of the original exterior plank sheathing. Although plank wall construction is fairly common in the area, the Hexagon was unusual in having both exterior and interior plank sheathing. Repair would have been the preferred preservation approach in this case and, perhaps with more careful scheduling, would have been a practical and cost-effective alternative.

12. The replication of the stamped metal siding has restored the Hexagon to its historic appearance. A new metal panel roof system that duplicates the appearance of the original standing seam roof also contributes to the restoration. Phot: Richard Neumann

This project does deserve special merit for its recognition of the importance of pressed metal siding as an historically significant feature of the building. Galvanized sheet metal work can still be found in ornamental cornices and decorative roofing shingles on many late-19th and early-20th century buildings. However, its use as a siding material, either ornamental or simulating other building materials, is much less common and often not recognized for its historic significance.

The work on the Hexagon also demonstrates that custom pressed metal work can be both the practical and the appropriate preservation solution for even small projects where historic stamped metal siding is an important feature of the building (see figure 12). When special molds are necessary to duplicate a specific pattern, additional planning time may be required. However, stock patterns, such as the simulated brick siding on the Hexagon, may be available, allowing for quicker delivery and cost savings. Properly prepared, finished, and maintained, galvanized and zinc pressed metal can have a long useful life.

PROJECT DATA

This PRESERVATION TECH NOTE was prepared by the National Park Service. Charles E. Fisher, Preservation Assistance Division, National Park Service, serves as the Technical Editor for the PRESERVATION TECH NOTES. Special thanks to Brian Conway, Michigan Bureau of History; Mary Cay Bartush Jones, building owner; Bob Michaels and David Dunshee, Bob Michaels Builders; John McCaffrey, John McCaffrey Painting and Decorating; Tim Parsons, HT Roofing; and Mark Quitno, W. F. Norman Corporation, for providing information about this project. The author greatly appreciates the editorial, critical, and graphic assistance of her colleagues: John Hnedak, Dennis Montagna, Robert Powers, and Martha Raymond, Preservation Services Division, Mid-Atlantic Region, National Park Service; Jeffrey Pascale, Park Historic Architecture Division, Mid-Atlantic Region, National Park Service; Annette Dixon Roberson, Martha Howell and Ward Jandl, Preservation Assistance Division, National Park Service; and Richard Pieper, Jan Hird Pokorny, Architects and Planners.

PRESERVATION TECH NOTES are designed to provide practical information on innovative techniques and practices for successfully maintaining and preserving cultural resources. All techniques and practices described herein conform to established National Park Service policies, procedures, and standards. This Tech Note was prepared pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 which direct the Secretary of the Interior to develop and make available to government agencies and individuals information concerning professional methods and techniques for the preservation of historic properties.

This publication is not copyrighted and can be reproduced without penalty. Normal procedures for credit to the author and the National Park Service are appreciated.