Jim,

Thanks for the heads up on the failure of elastomeric coatings applied over
previous patching compounds, and the idea of using a barrier coating of fiberous
neoprene.  We're going to be using a lot of this stuff in the next phases of
stabilization at Ellis, and it's great to have any input on potential problems.
This is one reason why the Conservancy's demonstration project was so important
in giving us a completed example of a stabilized building to monitor as we get
ready to tackle the other 28 buildings.  Also, I'd like to congratulate the
Cornell University historic preservation program alumnae and students who did a
volunteer weekend last spring and stabilized the Staff House on the south side
of Ellis.  Not only did they donate all the materials, they did a great job of
organizing, and turned out a large and hard working crew.  I think the thing
that impressed me most though, was the fact that they were motivated to take on
a stabilization project in the first place.  I think its a very encouraging sign
that preservation education generally is evolving in focus to include areas like
stabilization, preservation maintenance, and hands on project work.

Lisa

-----Original Message-----
From:   JRhodes <[log in to unmask]>
Sent:   Wednesday, October 20, 1999 4:27 PM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Re: metal shingles and elastomeric coatings

Lisa,

Yes, thanks for reminding me about the Conservancy's application on Ellis.
That is a good, quick and cost efficient method over worn out sheet metal,
even gutters with conspicuous holes.  I did another application, over 20
years ago, on a copper roof where every directly appliied elastomeric
failed (turned to jelly or silly-putty) because of chemical reaction to
prior patching compounds (black bitumin/asphaltic)  The solution was to
apply a barrier coat of fiberous neoprene before the elastomeric.  It
extended the life of the roof until replacement just recently...the
elastomeric was even colored green to look like aged copper.  I'm still
concerned with bridging any moving parts with membranes thin enough to
telegraph the historic roof pattern.  I suspect the application Ellen
refers to is a cost saving alternative to new metalwork without glopping up
and grossing the building out.

Thanks...Jim
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