J.B. Leslie Company carried out a weather stabilization project on the interior of Cape Elizabeth's lantern (Photo by William Marshall)
One of the most difficult aspects of lighthouse preservation is keeping water from finding its way inside a light tower. The battle seems endless at times, but one that must be waged with a vigilant resistance to ensure the best protection possible for the historic integrity of the lights.
On February 5, 2011, the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) took the first step toward making sure that the lantern of Maine’s Cape Elizabeth Light is once again able to prevent water from penetrating around its windowpanes.
ALF contracted J.B. Leslie Company of South Berwick, Maine, to perform weather stabilization work on the interior of Cape Elizabeth’s lantern, which included the removal of failing caulk from around every window.
Prior to resealing the windows, J.B. Leslie Company heated the tower to an appropriate level to ensure that the new sealant would adhere properly. The company also addressed cracks and bullet holes at various spots along the lantern to prevent water from penetrating these compromised areas of glass.
Phase II of resealing the lantern, which will entail the exterior windowpanes, as well as the rehabilitation of lantern metalwork and the cupola, will occur when the temperatures moderate.
The American Lighthouse Foundation wishes to thank its members and friends who graciously donated to help make Phase I of this project possible. The work that was carried out will prove vital to the ongoing effort of keeping water outside of Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse – where it belongs!
Photos of the February 5, 2011 work at Cape Elizabeth Light…
Alan Spier of J.B. Leslie Company works on removing old caulking from around a lantern windowpane (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
A close-up view of the lantern at Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Evidence of how water has been penetrating the lantern, which the weather stabilization project will help prevent (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Jim Leslie, president of J.B. Leslie Company, applies a new sealant around a windowpane (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
(L to R) Alan Spier and Jim Leslie work on making the interior windowpanes weather-tight (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Alan Spier (on ladder) and Jim Leslie do their part to help keep water out of the lantern of Cape Elizabeth Light (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
(L to R) ALF executive director Bob Trapani, Jr. with Jim Leslie and Alan Spier of J.B. Leslie Company (Photo courtesy of Bob Trapani, Jr.)
Looking out over Casco Bay from the lantern of Cape Elizabeth Light (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
