If you are looking for an historic metal roof and any component associated with the roof, you cannot get more authentic that us. We hail from a lineage of trained European craftsmen that goes all the way back to the origins of plumbing in Rome. “Klempner” is one of several monikers assigned to the specific trade of sheet metal cladder, ornament maker, snow abatement expert, building engineer, water displacement expert and a whole host of other things for all aspects of the building envelope. It’s not really a job in the same respect here in the new world, and difficult to define.
The etymology of Klempner comes from the term to hammer metal and to connect firmly. (In this case, by means of folding techniques.) Essentially, the most technically complex form of Origami in the world results in the most permanent, maintenance-free, water-tight roofs in the world. Germany alone has several names for this trade depending on region. Down in Bavaria where we got our training, the trade is called “Spengler”.
Europe still holds tight to its tradition of highly skilled tradespeople. Though innovations such as the internet have made doing business easier, tradespeople can only learn by doing. If someone comes from a tiny town way up in the Alps, it’s not likely they’ll have the necessary expose to the wide variety of buildings and conditions they need to obtain full expertise. As such, for three years after completion of their trade credentialing, they must wander from town to town to pick up work experience for which they will be uncompensated. Many of them still hitchhike just like these framers did:
“Do they still do this?” Yes! Obtaining your master craftsman title is not for the faint hearted. I can’t think of a more demanding and difficult occupation in any field.
“Do they still wear those uniforms?” Yes! Absolutely! They are the best in the world and are proud! And they’re freaking awesome looking! But only a qualified tradesperson can wear them. You’ll get in heaps of trouble if you wear the uniform and misrepresent your skill level. It’s kind of like impersonating a police officer over here. Not a good idea.
You can identify who does what trade by their uniform. What do our uniforms look like? Ok. Here you go:
Spengler contemporary trades uniform
Details down to the ornate belt buckle and lion head hammer chain. Admit it. You kind of want this job now, don’t you? Those pants will protect from both the frosty freeze and the burning hot metal. There’s a whole lot of function built into the form, but would you expect anything less from Germany?
We are special among the special. Our top brass holds a massive amount of degrees and certifications even by German standards. If you have a difficult and precious project, ensure we are enlisted on your team to help you on any aspect.
We teach teams vital hands on skills they wouldn’t otherwise have encountered. We offer consultation and design assistance for architects and planners. Anyone on the design-build team can take advantage of our unique level of experience and knowledge to end up with a level of beauty and performance way above par.
Call us today to see our our historic restoration expertise and Old World skills translate to the performance and permanence of your dreams, no matter how technically difficult the project.
Call today!
