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The New Jersey State House was built in 1792, and is the second oldest state house still in use. As part of a $300 million renovation, the restoration of the impressive gold dome structure was undertaken. This 160-foot tall (from floor to apex) dome is where sponge media blasting came to the rescue with the solution to a complex surface preparation and historical preservation problem. 

Choosing the best Sponge Media Feed Unit™ can seem like an intimidating task. Sizes, features, and portability vary between models, but they all do the same overall task of mixing blast media with compressed air for abrasive blasting. Some units like the EX product line are for use in potentially combustable, flammable atmospheres, while other units like the Rasp Xtreme and the 100-HP are optimized for portability. 

Fires can happen anywhere. While the cause of fires vary, every year thousands of homes, commercial properties, and industrial facilities deal with the cleanup after a blaze. In the aftermath of a fire, structural engineers and insurance companies will work together to determine if a property can be salvaged. In many cases, a fire restoration specialist will work with the owner to resurrect the property from the ashes. 

Lighthouses, once critical for safe international shipping and commerce have essentially been replaced with modern navigational tools such as radio beacons and GPS. Many lighthouses remain functional with working lanterns, used as a backup tool for mariners in instances where other navigational systems have failed. 

Often when historic buildings are restored and renovated to serve modern purposes, unforeseen challenges quickly arise. In the case of the renovation and repurposing of the Old Altoona Silk Mill (circa 1889), the challenge took the form of lead abatement throughout the entire building and across three different substrates - wood, brick, and steel.

When conducting surface preparation work in wastewater treatment plants, there are many factors to consider before blasting ever begins. For example: protecting the pipes, sensitive equipment, and electrical conduit from abrasive dust and ricochet. Not to mention ensuring that the ventilation system is not overwhelmed with abrasive dust.

Unexpected jobsite findings when combined with an extremely tight deadline adds a challenging layer to projects that some contractors can’t overcome. This was not the case with Corrosion Control Resources, Inc. (CCR) who arrived on the scene at Arlington Water Utilities Pump Station expecting to hand blast with coal slag, but ended up robotic blasting with Sponge Media.

The Miss Ellis Island is one of the boats that carries passengers from the New Jersey-based marina across New York Harbor and onto Ellis Island. Getting ready for the busy summer tourist season includes conducting maintenance on the ferries, and this past year, the Miss Ellis Island was due for some much needed recoating on the walkways and decks.

When structural fires occur, they leave behind many hours of cleanup even if the fire doesn’t cause much structural damage. After fires, areas with affected masonry surfaces like concrete must be checked by a structural engineer to ensure entry is safe. Once the area is cleared, the restoration process can begin.

When fires occur, the immediate focus should be on preserving the health and safety of those in danger. Fire departments do amazing work saving lives and preventing fire spread throughout buildings and into nearby structures. Despite firefighters’ efforts, buildings often require robust cleaning of smoke, fire, and water damage in the aftermath.