How to Best Secure the Future of Music
for Worship (Pipe Organ Restoration and
Maintenance)
and
Out of Sight Shouldn't be Out of Mind
(Bell Restoration and Maintenance)
This course discusses the evaluation and inspection of pipe
organs and bell assemblies, as well as safety considerations for
their installation, evaluation and maintenance.
C O N F E R E N C E FOR C A T H O L I C F A C I L I T Y M A N A G E M E N T (“CCFM”)
Conference for Catholic Facility Management (CCFM) is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES). Credit(s) earned on completion of this program will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request. This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional
education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.
C O N F E R E N C E FOR C A T H O L I C F A C I L I T Y M A N A G E M E N T (“CCFM”)
Copyright Materials
This presentation is protected by U.S. and International Copyright
laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of the
presentation without written permission of the speaker is
prohibited.
© The Verdin Company, 2012. All rights reserved. and © Organ Supply Industries, Inc. 2012
Prepared for: Conference for Catholic Facility Management
C O N F E R E N C E FOR C A T H O L I C F A C I L I T Y M A N A G E M E N T (“CCFM”)
T R A C K 3
TOTAL PIPE ORGAN RESOURCES
Learning Objectives
• At the end of the program, participants will be able to evaluate the condition of an existing pipe organ and its components, in order to determine the level of
restoration and/or upgrading required, using case studies and examples. • At the end of the program, participants will be able to understand safety
considerations when installing, maintaining and/or tuning a pipe organ, using case studies and examples.
• At the end of the program, participants will be able to properly inspect and evaluate the condition of existing bells, using case studies and examples. • At the end of the program, participants will be able to understand safety
considerations when evaluating and maintaining bells, using case studies and examples.
C O N F E R E N C E FOR C A T H O L I C F A C I L I T Y M A N A G E M E N T (“CCFM”)
Bell Restoration and
Maintenance
Out of Sight Shouldn’t Be Out of Mind
Bob Verdin, III
Bell Product Manager
Sixth Generation Verdin
The Verdin Company
www.verdin.com
Bells: A Catholic Tradition
The tradition of bells has been
inspiring Catholics for centuries and
fulfills an important role in the
Bells Are The Voice Of The
Church
Mass Call
The Angelus
Celebration Peal
Sanctus Bells
Funeral Toll
Tolling Bells
How safe are they?
• Many churches in your diocese have made an
investment in bells.
– How safe are they?
– What is the condition of the bell ringing equipment?
– What plans are needed to move or store bells when a
church closes or downsizes?
– What is the appraised value for insurance?
• Church bells are a valuable asset and the voice of
the church community. Over time, hardware
becomes worn and fragile, making the ringing of
the bells unsafe.
•
When was the last time your bells were
appraised or inspected for safety?
How to care for your bells
• Bells are a cherished and treasured
tradition; investment in regular
maintenance is always cheaper than
repairs.
• Bells are mostly indestructible; their
supporting bell frame and
mechanical
parts are not
.
• Exposure to weather, temperature
extremes, and neglect deteriorate bell
hardware and make bell ringing unsafe.
• Proper service recaptures a bells warm,
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
• The rusting of bell bolts is particularly
insidious, as the worst deterioration takes
place where the bolt passes through the
bell head, where it cannot be seen unless
the bell is taken down.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Before
After
Five Steps to Long-Lasting, Safe
Bells
• Keep detailed records:
– installation and service
– photos for insurance
• Assign one person to be responsible for
bell upkeep
• Perform regular inspections and
maintenance
• Clean the bells and replace the hardware
as needed
• Keep the bell chamber clean and clear of
bird droppings
5 Signs of Bell Problems
• Shaking when ringing bells risk of
coming loose.
STOP using
immediately!
• Bells are hard to ring
• Bell stutters or sounds muffled:
Clapper return springs could be loose
or broken
• Support beams rotting, rusting out
• Sound of bells have changed
How to Inspect Your Bell
Equipment
• Bell Frames
– Look for wood-boring insects
– Inspect all nuts and bolts and tighten or replace as required – Note and attend to any cracks, aging or wear and tear, and rust
accumulation • Bells
– Inspect bells for cracks and indentations
– Inspect clapper joints, keeping them lubricated. Adjust as needed.
• Bell Ropes
– Inspect and replace frayed ropes
– Check all guide pulleys, rollers, and ceiling bosses to ensure they present a smooth surface to the rope
– Lubricate pulleys and rollers • Bearings
– Roughness or noise indicate worn or damaged, and need replaced
Swinging Bells
• Some towers and supporting structures
may not be safe to handle the swing of a
bell.
• These bells can be immobilized and a
stationary bell ringer installed.
Restoring Tradition and Voice
Next Steps
to maintaining and restoring your bells
Choose a company that:
• Will provide insurance documents • Is experienced
• Has established bell consultants and fully trained service technicians • Has extensive support team ready to assist you
• Is reliable and takes no shortcuts
• Has the financial capital to stand behind their products and service • Has references from projects/installations of similar size and scope
Questions?
C O N F E R E N C E FOR C A T H O L I C F A C I L I T Y M A N A G E M E N T (“CCFM”)
T R A C K 3
This concludes The American Institute of Architects
Continuing Education Systems Course.
Bob Verdin, III
Bell Product Manager Sixth Generation Verdin The Verdin Company www.verdin.com