Category: General
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Why it May Not be Viable to Restore Victorian Cast Iron Lacework; An Explanation for Owners, Architects, and Heritage Clients
Executive summary Restoration of Victorian cast iron lacework is often assumed to be the most appropriate heritage outcome, but in many cases it involves significant technical and financial risk. The condition of original cast iron cannot usually be confirmed until after paint removal, by which point irreversible work has already commenced. Hidden cracking is common…
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Victorian Cast Iron Balustrades: Repair, Retain or Replace?
Victorian Cast Iron Balustrades: Repair, Retain or Replace? Understanding the Challenges of Heritage Balustrades Victorian terraces are a defining feature of many Sydney suburbs including Paddington, Balmain and North Sydney. Their ornate cast iron balconies and verandahs contribute significantly to the character of these buildings and the streetscapes in which they sit. One of the…
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Victorian Terrace Home Lace Balustrades. Heritage Balustrades and Structural Design Considerations
Victorian terraces are a defining feature of many Sydney suburbs including Paddington, Balmain and North Sydney. Many originally featured ornate cast iron lace balustrades with heights of approximately 800 to 900mm, reflecting the building requirements of the period. When repairing or replacing these balustrades today, property owners must consider modern safety requirements as well as…
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Balustrades Series. Meeting Australian Standard 1170.1
A structural engineer we often engage to certify that our balustrades will comply with Australian Standard 1170.1 amazed us recently when he gave his opinion about industry knowledge of the need for balustrades to meet the Australian Standard. He thought most builders and metal fabricators doing domestic work were years out of date on what…
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Why Specifications are Essential for Quoting
HOW TO OBTAIN A QUOTE We are frequently asked by builders, homeowners and even architects to provide a quote based on drawings that are preliminary or concept quality only. Sometimes we are provided with internet images or random photos on which to base a quote. They are next to useless when sourcing quotes because they…