What we found
The cornice at 266 5th Avenue was showing the classic signs of mid-cycle failure: visible rust streaking down the facade below it, paint bubbling and flaking in patches, and several decorative elements where the underlying metal had begun to separate. The owner had noticed it gradually worsening over the previous several winters, which is the timeline cornices typically run on.
From scaffolding, the actual condition was worse than from the sidewalk — but still within standard repair scope rather than full replacement.
The work
We scraped the failed paint and surface rust back to sound metal. Where the rust had penetrated the substrate, we treated with a phosphoric-acid converter to chemically stabilize the underlying steel. Localized patches of severely thinned metal were soldered in. The seams between cornice sections were re-caulked with a UV-rated elastomeric sealant.
Two coats of high-build epoxy primer went down on all exposed metal. The finish coat was custom-tinted to match the building's original color, mixed on-site against a sample from a protected area of the cornice.
The result
The cornice now reads as continuous with the original finish, the rust streaking has stopped, and the underlying metal is protected for the next maintenance cycle. With basic monitoring, this work should hold for 25+ years.
Project gallery
A few additional views of the work at 266 5th Avenue.
Want to walk to this project?
266 5th Avenue is a real address. We can meet you there for a walkaround, point out the specific repair work, and answer questions in person. Or we can send you photos of the precise details. Just call Sajin at 631-464-8200.