Copper & Lead Cupola replaced with GRP Fibreglass Dome

Fibreglass Domes & Cupolas

Harviglass Fibre are expert at creating architectural GRP such as fibreglass domes and cupolas that replace old, expensive, leaky copper and lead domes. Once installed, these GRP domes look identical to traditional materials, serve the same function, and cost a fraction of the price.

Fibreglass Dome – Case Study

Straddling Oxford Road and Whitworth Street in Manchester city centre, the massive ‘Palace’ hotel, the former home of the Refuge Assurance Society, dominates the skyline. You would never know that this regal building is capped with a fibreglass dome. This case study highlights the practical application and aesthetic benefits of GRP domes.

GRP Making the Impossible Possible

The Palace Hotel boasts three towers, each crowned with a unique copper-sheathed cupola. The owners understood the importance of maintaining the quality and style of this popular landmark. The tallest and most prominent clock tower was traditionally re-sheathed in copper in the late 1960s. However, the high cost and rapid degradation prompted the owners to seek alternatives for the two subordinate cupolas.

Harviglass were initially consulted about the feasibility of moulding a replacement shell. They advised a much quicker, less expensive, yet equally durable solution by directly applying GRP laminate to the existing copper substrate. This method was rapidly completed, resulting in a robust fibreglass cupola.

Benefits of GRP Domes

The process of replacing traditional materials with GRP domes offers several key benefits:

• Cost-Effective: GRP domes and cupolas are significantly less expensive to produce and maintain compared to traditional copper and lead alternatives.
• Durability: The GRP laminate forms an impervious shield against weather, chemicals, and bird attacks. This ensures long-lasting protection without the rapid degradation associated with metals.
• Aesthetic Authenticity: The thin, wet GRP membrane replicates the authentic lines of the copper sheets beneath. The genuine ‘verdigris’ colour of weathered copper can be faithfully reproduced, ensuring that the new domes blend seamlessly with existing structures.
• Ease of Installation: The application of GRP laminate does not require large sheets of material on-site. Minimal safety scaffolding is sufficient, simplifying access and reducing installation time.
• Weathering: The normally smooth GRP finish is deliberately left slightly matt and irregular. This allows the laminate to streak and weather authentically within weeks, making it identical to the ‘real’ cupola on the adjacent tower.

Practical Applications of Fibreglass

In addition to copper-sheathed roofs, lead-sheathed roofs can also be treated using the same GRP laminate technique. This versatility makes GRP an ideal solution for a variety of restoration and new construction projects. The method not only preserves the historical and aesthetic value of buildings but also ensures long-term cost savings and minimal maintenance.