While cast bronze bells themselves are, for the most part, indestructible, the many mechanical parts which enable the bell to sound and the supporting bell frame are not. Constant exposure to weather, extremes of temperature and even neglect, the mechanical elements may be deteriorating, rusting into dust. Even bell instruments only a few years old may be in need of attention.
Some of the areas that may need attention in your bell tower:
The Bell Frame – Your bell or bells may be suspended from a steel framework which can rust if unprotected. Areas with superficial rust should be scraped and the entire frame brushed with a high quality paint. No sprayer should ever be used. The painting of the bell frame can be handled by your local painting contractor; however, a professional, familiar with the operation of bells, should oversee the procedure. Painting the wrong thing could have disastrous consequences.
Bell Support Bolts – Bells are secured in the bell frame by steel support bolts. These bolts run through the top part of the bell, through the steel or wood framework, and are muted on the top. The section of the bolt that passes through the beam and bell is subject to electrolytic corrosion. In this area water cannot evaporate and will rust the support bolts, decreasing their strength. The danger is that it is impossible to determine how much rust exists and how much deterioration has occurred. The only way to check for trouble is to remove several bolts from bells.
Contact us for an evaluation of your bells. A Verdin representative will examine your bells, frame, action, and electronic controllers. You will be given a report on the condition of your bells and bell ringing equipment, and a recommendation as to what should be done to keep them safe, and working properly.