Sheet Metal

Metal is a foundational part of the buildings under the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) care, metal conduits carry electrical wires through the buildings, metal ducts carry air that cools and heats the buildings, in fact metal is used in nearly every job in some form.

The AOC sheet metal teams fabricate, persevere and restore anything metal across Capitol Hill. This includes the roof of the United States Capitol and its iconic "Walter dome" recognized around the world as a symbol of American strength and freedom. During its construction from 1855 to 1866, perhaps the greatest threat to the dome was the outbreak of the Civil War. Since that time nearly 150 years ago, while the Union was restored, multiple forces have been unrelenting in their attack on the Capitol Building—time, weather and nature.

Cool Tools: On the Cutting Edge

Our Stories

Sheet Metal Work

Behind the Scenes

Tools of the Trade: Sheet Metal

The AOC's Capitol Building Sheet Metal Shop craftspeople utilize traditional, handheld tools alongside current technologies to shape, fit and repair metalworks.

Conditions of the U.S. Capitol's copper roof before replacement.

Projects

Continuous Care of the U.S. Capitol Roof

Like most beloved national treasures from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. Capitol Building roof requires continuous care.

A five-pointed star was cut within seconds by the Architect of the Capitol Sheet Metal Shop.

Behind the Scenes

Cool Tools: Plasma Cutting Machine, a Matter of Precision

It generates temperatures of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit or more and accelerates to nearly the speed of sound.

The deburring tool used to remove sharp edges from sheet metal.

Behind the Scenes

Two Thumbs Up for Taking the Edge Off

A small and seemingly simple tool used by the Architect of the Capitol sheet metal mechanics reduces injuries by saving hands, which is why we give it two thumbs up as a cool tool. This deburring tool removes sharp edges from metal which must be custom fit to unique spaces.