Checklist For Inspecting Bronze Failures

CSI Division:
Division 5 - Metals
Section:
Metal Materials
Last Modified:
08/04/2016

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We’ve reviewed these procedures for general consistency with federal standards for rehabilitating historic buildings and provide them only as a reference. Specifications should only be applied under the guidance of a qualified preservation professional who can assess the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers serve as general guidelines and do not constitute a federal endorsement nor a determination that a product or method is the best alternative or compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards.


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.
Last Reviewed: 2017-08-13