Drum restoration

The drum, the section under the gold-leafed dome, has been cleaned and repaired.

A solvent was used to remove the paint, as well as a wire brush and other tools.

Workers removed layers of paint and repaired decorative elements that needed to be fixed.

The base has been completely replaced with copper and sheet metal to better protect the building from the elements.

Significant repair and replacement work has occurred on the Capitol dome and drum structure, which consists of a sheet copper dome, covered in gold leaf, and a galvanized sheet metal lantern and drum. The entire structure had documented punctures, tears, dents, failed seams, corrosion, paint coating failure, significant water leakage, and many missing and loose elements.

The columns surrounding the windows on the drum have been painted to match the masonry.

Large punctures and failing paint were pervasive prior to the extensive restoration work on the dome and drum.

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Decorative pieces on the dome

Craftsmen with Renaissance Roofing, Inc. finished the decorative pieces on the lower sections of the Capitol dome. Due to extensive damage, the original pieces were removed and recreated from copper.

Decorative elements on dome

Just below the decorative elements on the dome, the wooden parts of the drum have been replaced with steel.

Dome scaffolding removal

The gold-leafed dome shone during this beautiful May morning as workers took down the remaining scaffolding.

Drum restoration

The drum, the section under the gold-leafed dome, has been cleaned and repaired.

Preparing to gild the dome

The Gilder's Studio started preparation work to gild the new copper on the Capitol dome with 24-carat gold leaf. Because the copper is new, an etching solution is being applied so that the gold-leaf will adhere to the surface.

Repairing the dome

Workers with Renaissance Roofing, Inc. have finished the decorative pieces on the upper sections of the Capitol dome. The pieces were recreated from copper and painted to match the rest of the entablature on the building.

Molding the decorative pieces on the Capitol dome

Workers with Renaissance Roofing, Inc. Renaissance Roofing, Inc. are molding the decorative pieces on the Capitol dome from copper. The entablature, cornice, and pediments at the top of the Capitol exterior are made of metal, not stone. The existing material, most of which is original to the building, is failing and is currently being repaired or replaced.