Carolands Mansion - Lera Glass worked on the remodel of this ornate residential project. View the full project details »
n residential projects, Lera Glass specializes in fiberglass fabrication of decorative features for interiors and exteriors such as columns, moldings, entryways, planters, and ponds.
Fiberglass is the material of choice when making decorative shapes that ordinarily would be made of wood or stone. Unlike wood-trim details that require touchup or repainting after five years, fiberglass shapes can be relatively maintenance free. They can be coated with an oil-based primer which allows them to be finished with latex house paints.
Because it is not only lightweight but also durable, fiberglass is a wise choice for seismic projects as well. Its lightness in weight also makes it economical to install. Fiberglass shapes will never rot, crack or split like wood.
Carolands Mansion Using fiberglass to fabricate sandstone columns.
- Fiberglass fabrication.
- Authentic sandstone finish.
- Finishes blend seamlessly with original components that were made from old world materials.
- Light, easy to install and easy to transport.
- Seismically superior.
Washington Street Using fiberglass to to create the Entryway Surround, and the Window Crowns.
- Cost of these features in fiberglass, is similar to the cost of these features done in wood.
- Much lighter and easier to install than similar wooden features.
- Provides a major savings over the years when compared to the maintenance required for wood details of similar shape.
- Will not rot and is impervious to termites.
- Will accept regular house paint with the use of the appropriate primer.
California Street Using fiberglass to create these decorative, yet functional posts.
- Cost of these features in fiberglass is similar to the cost of these features done in wood.
- Much lighter and easier to install than similar wooden features.
- Provides a major savings, over the years, when compared to the maintenance required for wood details of similar shape.
- Will not rot and is impervious to termites.
- Will accept regular house paint with the use of the appropriate primer.
- These posts have even been finished with gold leaf.
Piedmont Home Using fiberglass to recreate hand carved wooden columns.
- Lera Glass produced the light tan colored columns shown here.
- The original columns were rotted away at the base.
- An original column was repaired, molds were made using silicone rubber and epoxy composite case.
- Because these columns were so ornate, the columns were made using an epoxy composite laminate.
- The mold was designed to allow fabrication of columns of various lengths, far more economical to produce in composites than wood.
- Will far outlast wood and will be easier to maintain.
Carmel Building Using fiberglass to create decorative gussets and rivets.
- Fiberglass was used to create ornamental gussets, rivets and other features to give this atrium a victorian look.
- All these features were made from fiberglass color matched to the powder coated steel.
- The features were all cut to size ahead of time and installed using VHB double stick tape.