Conservatory finial repair is the process of repairing a finial that has been damaged due to being exposed to the elements. This can be caused by either an animal, weathering, vandalism or neglect. It is essential that the finial is repaired correctly in order for it to preserve its aesthetic value and to prevent further damage. A conservatory finial consists of;
- A decorative base
This is the top section of the finial, which is usually made from metal or stone, and can be decorated with a variety of other materials including carved figures or statuettes.
- A decorative shaft
This is the portion of the finial that connects to the decorative base. It can be carved in different materials to match the type of base it is on. This includes stone, metal, cedar and concrete. When repairing a conservatory finial some craftsmen prefer to leave this part as it was originally made as it will act as an anchor piece for other repairs and cover up any aesthetic imperfections that may have occurred elsewhere on the finial.
- A decorative cap
This is the piece of the finial that sits over the shaft. It can be made from a variety of materials from wood to stone or metal. It can also be carved to highlight the pattern of the base that it is attached to.
- A decorative finial body
This is the piece that sits on top of the shaft. It can be made from different materials such as stone, metal, concrete or cedar but most often these days it will be made from a synthetic material which looks like wood or stone, and can also be decorated with a variety of other materials including carved figures and statuettes. This is usually attached using concrete glue. The conservatory finial body is fixed using epoxy resin or polyester resin and then clad in lime putty to ensure that the repair is structurally sound so as not to fall off later on in life.
- A decorative cap ball
This is the round ball at the end of a finial. It can be made from a variety of materials including stone, metal, concrete and cedar but most often these days it will be made from a synthetic material which looks like wood or stone, and can also be decorated with a variety of other materials. The finial cap ball is attached using concrete glue.
- A decorative finial
This is the piece at the top of a finial. It can be made from a variety of materials including stone, metal, concrete and cedar. The conservatory finial is fixed using epoxy resin or polyester resin and then clad in lime putty to ensure that the repair is structurally sound so as not to fall off later on in life.
It is important to know that conservatory finials are not made to withstand any kind of significant environmental deterioration so if left undamaged they usually last for many years before needing to be repaired. However, although they can last for decades they will eventually succumb to weathering and damage which necessitates their repair or replacement.