Architectural sheet metal is a facet of the trade that involves metal panel work, water proofing systems, decorative sheet metal, soldering, shop fabrication, and unique installation requirements. Due to the exposed nature of architectural elements, not only is the functionality of the systems paramount, but also the visual appeal the system exhibits.
Architectural work has forever been part of the history of the Bay Area sheet metal industry with the first of our union members in 1885 mostly comprised of Cornice Makers.
ON DISPLAY
Architectural Sheet Metal Worker photo–
A member installs copper gutters on a building’s exterior.
Soldered Downspout and Conductor Head–
Living in an environment where waterproofing systems are paramount to maintaining the integrity of building elements, the techniques and concepts related to the installation and design of proper metal panel work, gutter systems, flashing systems, roofing systems, and other exterior metal work are offered. On display are fittings fabricated by students to direct and shed moisture from a building.
Soldered Downspout and Conductor Head–
Living in an environment where waterproofing systems are paramount to maintaining the integrity of building elements, the techniques and concepts related to the installation and design of proper metal panel work, gutter systems, flashing systems, roofing systems, and other exterior metal work are offered. On display are fittings fabricated by students to direct and shed moisture from a building.
Vintage Soldering Pot and Copper Irons:
Soldering is a craft which has existed since 3500 B.C. and was commonly seen in ancient Rome and Babylon. Although there have been slight evolutions in the process delivery, many of the methods and alloys used of old are still used to this day.
For the modern sheet metal worker, soldering is used to construct architectural metal systems and ornamental sheet metal work. This process is used to join metals and provide waterproofing for aligning joint configurations. Unlike the process of welding, soldering does not melt the base metal, rather a filler metal is melted through a heated iron. The molten filler metal is attracted to a metal surface with the aid of a flux, which removes oxide from the metal surface. The irons are constructed of a heavy copper base, shaft, tang, and wooden handle. The copper base is where the irons get the nickname “coppers.”
This portable soldering pot displayed would be brought to a jobsite as a portable soldering station. The base would be filled with gas, allowing for combustion and heating of the soldering irons.
Continue reading about the items on display in the Livermore history hallway