Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
Preserving History: Roof Restoration
Since 1825, the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse has guarded the waters of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, Maryland. The lighthouse, subject to continual erosion, was rebuilt several times before Congress funded the construction of the existing screw-pile structure in 1875. It was designated U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1999. Acrymax, a longtime Kynar Aquatec® Licensee, originally took on the challenge of preserving this iconic structure in 2008 with a custom-engineered Roof Restoration System.
The Challenge
With its offshore location, the lighthouse is continually battling the extreme elements of sun, salt air, wind, and weather. John Potvin, the Lighthouse Manager underscored this point, “The National Historic Landmark Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, built in 1875, has survived for 148 years. This offshore lighthouse has weathered hundreds of storms in its long history. The materials used to maintain the lighthouse must be of the highest quality and durability.”
The Solution
Acrymax’s detailed restoration process included applying a primer on the metal roof substrate, followed by coats of elastomeric roof coatings. For added strength and durability, a stitch-bonded high strength polyester fabric used to reinforce the transitional areas of these coatings.
The final touch was the application of Acrymax’s AF-4400 Fluoropolymer coating, selected to deliver a high-performance finish that wouldn’t compromise on color. The AF-4400 Fluoropolymer is a field-applied flexible coating which utilizes Kynar Aquatec® PVDF resin – providing the ultimate weatherability and color retention.
The custom finish included a vibrant red on the main roof, a crisp white for the dormers, and a deep-toned black for the cupola. This selection not only met the functional requirements but also paid homage to the lighthouse’s historic charm.
Results
Initially coated in 2008, the Acrymax’s coatings have been a testament of durability amidst an extremely challenging climate for 15 full years. In the Fall of 2023, a full-scale recoating was undertaken, ensuring watertight integrity and restoring the original Kynar Aquatec® PVDF resin-based finish.
John Potvin was again impressed with the results. “When we began the preservation of this lighthouse in 2007, we needed the best roof coating we could find. Acrymax was specified, and we were so impressed with the product. When it came time to recoat the roof this year, we again chose Acrymax.”
The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse at night.