Checklist For Inspecting Bronze Failures
- Procedure code:
- 501002G
- Source:
- Outdoor Sculpture Manual - Center For Public Buildings
- Division:
- Metals
- Section:
- Metal Materials
- Last Modified:
- 08/04/2016
This checklist is to be used as an aid in inspecting the condition of bronze. It should be used as a supplement to "Bronze: Characteristics, Uses and Problems".
- Examine the overall surface condition and appearance considering elevation/exposure factors. Look for streaking, uniformity of color, blotchiness and pitting.
- Describe the typical condition and photograph the overall element and include detailed photographs of specific areas/items of note.
- Note the best and poorest areas and indicate their locations.
- Note the location and extent of green areas.
- Are they generalized?
- Are they localized?
- Distinguish between horizontal and vertical surfaces, also exposed vs. protected areas.
- Note any disfigurement due to corrosion damage, defects, etc.
- Note size, location of any cracks, holes, perforations.
- Note size, location and describe any patches, plugs, fills, repairs (note fill materials, pin materials).
- Note surface texture of bronze. Look for etched patterns, streaks, powdering, worn areas, smooth, shiny/polished, water beading, pitting (describe density per square foot, depth, size), loss of detail, scabbing (describe extent, finish, depth, relationship to pitting, if any).
- Note condition and location of mechanical joints. Describe size and extent of any cracked joints; corrosion at joints, fills, patches, and general structural integrity.
- Note weep holes.
- Describe conditions at weep holes, base.
- Are holes open, plugged?
- Describe adjacent staining; crusts, if any.
- Note discoloration/staining.
- Describe the color and nature of accretions such as soot; bird droppings; nests; iron stains, erosion; paint.
- Note vandalism.
- Describe the extent, nature and location of any scratching, rubbing, paint, damaged or missing parts.