By the summer of 2000 there was the need to place a new roof on a Victorian building at 530 Market Street in Perkasie. The owners had originally hoped to replace the slate roof, but could not find anyone to replace the slates for a reasonable cost; they finally made the decision to go with an asphalt roof. In addition to shingling the roof and turret, a large finial (ornamental top capping the turret) needed attention. After removing the finial, finding numerous holes in the sheet metal and its seams, and adding more tears to the metal in the removal process, the decision was made by the owners to seal the finial in fiberglass. This choice of materials would allow for a long term repair solution while keeping the original material with its unique form in place.

The original turret featured slate shingles and metal trim. The metal finial on top features several bulbous forms.		Asphalt shingles replaced the slates and allowed the turret to keep its original form tent roof (faceted) form.
Some parts of the finial needed little attention such as the bulb at top. Numerous holes and ripped seams in the bottom section were in need of repair.		There was no question in this case about what the form was other than the very top. Here is the entire 8 ' finial with repairs in progress.
Seams were clamped together using vise clamps.		Seams were then riveted and soldered together.
After considering many materials to support the surface and fill the holes, fiberglass was chosen.		The fiberglass fabric and solvent created a structurally sound finial. Particularly the base that needed many repairs was again one solid form.
Here is the finial with fiberglass coating.		The finial was then painted and a new top attached. Owner Steven C. Papiernik and roofer Paul J. Higgins of Higgins Roofing & Construction appear with finial.
A special lift was used to put the finial in place.		The process is complete, and one of the charming turrets of Perkasie has been preserved for the future.