Craftsmanship & innovation
RESTAURATION & conservation HISTORICAL METAL WORKS
The restoration of valuable historical metal works is our main activity: balconies in cast iron, metal front doors, fences & gates, windows in cast iron or steel, awnings and skylights, hardware…
Our clients include individuals, governments and businesses. We perform works throughout the country.
We look for the cause of the condition you observe: rust, deformation, missing pieces, poor closure, faulty waterproofing, stone breakage. During our renovation work, we take this into account to prevent the recurrence of problems in the future.
Thanks to our focus on restoration of metalwork, we have a lot of craftsmanship and experience on board. The knowledge and use of modern technology (3D scan & print), provides our craftsmen with leverage in faithfully reproducing missing or overly weathered parts.
We look to the future with you: how can we better insulate metal doors and windows with historic value, make them more burglar-proof, increase their ease of use, bring them in line with changed security standards?
metal & stone: knowledge of both disciplines
Old metal works are often anchored in a natural stone column, pedestal or plinth. Rusting of the metal often results in damage to the stone. Altnova manages both disciplines, performing them in-house. In repairing the metal works, Altnova takes into account the problems inherent in the combination of natural stone and metal, particularly the very different expansion due to temperature changes.
disappeared metal works based on photos
With our knowledge of traditional techniques, we recognize more details in old photographs, based on which we faithfully manufacture vanished metal works.
Historical searches – premiums
We help pass on what is valuable to you to future generations. But not without taking an interest in the past. Thanks to our own historical searches for old foundries & metal workshops, we often complement more global historical research.
Altnova has good knowledge of the various support measures in the different regions and at the municipal level.
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Who we are.
our team
We are an experienced and skillfully assembled team: in-house workshop with blasting cabin and metallization equipment, in-house placement service, measurement and drawing office, historical searches.
Innovative craftsmanship
With solid knowledge of traditional techniques and openness to new technologies (3D imaging and print and CNC milling techniques).
Customer-friendly
We are happy to come on site to assess the situation prior to your quote. We are open to your questions and think with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
To the right, we have listed some frequently asked questions. Do you still have an unsolved question? Please feel free to contact us.
Managing director Mark Peeters released a second, fully revised version of his first book, “Restoration of Forgings & Cast Iron: Answers to 10 Frequently Asked Questions. The book is available in Dutch and French and can be partially viewed online for free. The full book is for sale and available through Altnova or at bol.com.
The book answers the 10 most frequently asked questions we received from our customers over the years. Is my fencing valuable? What material is it made of? Is it best to do the work on site or in the workshop? What does a typical restoration job look like? What kind of paint system is better for my fencing? Check out the full table of contents in the free preview copy via the link below.
who are our customers ?
AltNova works for individuals, public institutions and large general contractors in the restoration industry.
What metal works do we perform and what do we mean by restoration ?
These include balconies, fences, gates, window grilles, roof ornaments such as spires, wall anchors, etc. But also steel joinery. We assume that the metal works are valuable and thus will be preserved in their original form.
Restoration occurs when advanced rust has affected functional components (hinges, hardware, lock case) and/or decorative elements (arrowheads, decorative scrolls, rosettes). Restoration thus involves both the repair of existing elements and the creation of an identical copy.
Explore all of our services here.
Wrought or cast iron and how do I recognize it ?
Why would you want to know whether it is wrought or cast iron ? After all, each of the two materials requires an appropriate restoration method. Cast iron has somewhat more limited restoration possibilities in case of major damage.
How do I distinguish ancient from contemporary constructions ?
Contemporary metal structures are usually an assembly of hollow tubes and tubes welded together. The welds, when skillfully applied, are watertight.
Ancient metal works consist of a series of solid parts (flat, round or square bar) joined together using bands, bolts and rivets. We call these mechanical joints.
Why do I also have damage to my (natural) stone?
An old metal structure forms an inseparable pair with the natural stone in which it is anchored, but one with “tensions” in which it is difficult to live together.
Wrought and cast iron undergoes changes under the influence of temperature changes. In hot weather the structure expands slightly, in cold weather there is a contraction. The degree to which this happens is called the coefficient of expansion. Metals have a coefficient of expansion up to (almost) three times higher than that of bluestone.
Are there premiums and where can I go ?
Any premiums or subsidies depend on the region in which you are located: Brussels Capital Region (BCR), Flanders or Wallonia.
For more information on premiums, please contact your local Stadswinkel and Monumentenwacht.
The company Altnova has extensive knowledge of the various support measures.
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Contact Us
Are you interested in a price quote or do you have questions about your project ? Do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail. You can also contact AltNova if you want to know if your project is eligible for subsidies.
We are looking for employees
See if we are looking for someone with your profile or apply freely by contacting us.