Dome scaffolding removal

The gold-leafed dome shone during this beautiful May morning as workers took down the remaining scaffolding. The Capitol dome is constructed of copper gilded in gold leaf. The entire structure needed to be repaired to address punctures, tears, dents, failed seams, corrosion, paint coating failure, significant water leakage, and many missing and loose elements. The damage is mainly from hail and 130 years of life and weather deterioration.

Before gilding, craftsmen with Renaissance Roofing, Inc. finished the decorative pieces on the upper sections of the Capitol dome. Due to the extensive damage, the original pieces were removed and recreated from copper and later painted to match the rest of the entablature on the Capitol.

The dome scaffolding was installed in September 2017 and a white covering was added to help facilitate the repairs and improve safety. Behind the covering, extensive work was done to replace and repair of the existing decorative sheet metal, repair the roof, and re-gild of the dome. The repairs will extend the life expectancy of the dome by over 75 years.

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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.