Est 1946
Expert Cast Iron Finial Repairs for Heritage Restoration
Remanufacturing can save up to 75% of the cost of a new replacement component.
Cast iron finials are a type of architectural decoration often added to the tips of railings, bridges, and balconies. They add the finishing touch and an element of style to spires, gateposts, bandstands, and other historic structures. Finials were fashionable during the Victorian era and have remained popular ever since. Numerous designs exist thanks to the expert castability of cast iron.
If you have a renovation project in mind or you’re adding a vintage twist to a modern design, cast iron finials are a perfect candidate for restoration. Here at Cast Iron Welding Services, our team is passionate about heritage restoration. Our meticulous attention to detail, coupled with time-served experience in the gas fusion welding repair process, will ensure your crowning finials are a spectacle once again.
What Are Cast Iron Finials?
A finial is a decorative ornamental feature often added to the peak or apex of domes, towers, gables, and roofs. It emphasises a structure’s height and grandeur and allows an element of personalisation to the design. A finial can be designed in a variety of shapes, from acorns to floral motifs, and there are examples of particularly elaborate finials from the Victorian era including gargoyles and dragons.
Finials began their journey in history many years ago. In fact, they can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. The name derives from the Latin ‘finis’, which means end. Over the years, finials have been cast in all shapes and sizes by pouring molten iron into moulds. And then allowing it to cool. Once the mould is broken away, the completed finial is revealed. The intricate detailing often required on a finial makes cast iron the ideal choice of material due to its impressive castability and durability.
Expert Cast Iron Finial Restoration
Cast iron has excellent resistance to corrosion, but without proper maintenance, the material will deteriorate due to environmental weathering, chemical corrosion, and mechanical or thermal shock. Other factors like vegetation growth, accumulation of dirt and debris, bad casting and inadequate protective coatings can cause cast iron to deteriorate even quicker. There are signs to look out for if you think your cast iron finial might be declining – check for paint blistering and surface ‘pitting’. Finials are often subject to weathering because of their location or use. They face harsh elements in high-up structures like weathervanes and along seafront terraces, and in high-usage applications like railings, structural and surface wear is common.
Cast Iron Welding Services has extensive experience in the field of restoration. In this type of work, experience is key, and we have bags of it. Our expert team have passionately renovated all manner of cast iron structures nationwide, tackling difficult logistical and access obstacles along the way. We meticulously apply our gas fusion welding method to mend cracks and fractures, restoring the structural integrity of these iconic pieces. The final coatings are applied with the backing of years of experience in choosing the correct finish to restore the durability inherent in cast iron products. It goes without saying that our team are meticulous about paint matching to the original.
Investing in the maintenance of historical items is an essential part of conservation. Preserve the environment and knowledge from years gone by with cast iron heritage restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cast iron finials last?
Do you have experience in heritage restoration?
Do you provide any warranties on your repair work?
How do you clean cast iron finials?
Get in Touch
Trust Cast Iron Welding Services for all your cast iron welding requirements. Contact us today to discuss your project and benefit from our expertise in restoring and enhancing the performance of your cast iron components.
