Inside Look at National Cathedral Repairs

On the second anniversary of the 2011 earthquake, the National Cathedral is still millions of dollars away from completing repairs to the damaged sections of the building, officials say.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)

WTOP/Alicia Lozano

The 5.8 magnitude earthquake caused $26 million of damage to the historic Gothic building. To date, the Cathedral has raised $10 million.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)

WTOP/Alicia Lozano

Scaffolding has been installed in the nave for work to begin on the vaulted ceiling.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)

WTOP/Alicia Lozano

The scaffolding in place to restore the vaulted ceiling will also provide an opportunity for preservation and cleaning. Decades-old stains from a leaky roof will be cleaned in the process.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)

WTOP/Alicia Lozano

Stone masons and structural engineers will examine the vaulted ceiling, which is approximately 100 feet above the Cathedral's stone floor.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)

WTOP/Alicia Lozano

The engineering team will be up on the rolling towers next week. It will conduct a detailed assessment and survey of every square inch of the ceiling. That process may take 18 months.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)

WTOP/Alicia Lozano

Head stone mason Joe Alonso points to some of the damage seen from inside the National Cathedral's tower.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)

WTOP/Alicia Lozano

To date, about $3 million in repairs have been completed to the National Cathedral following the Aug. 23, 2011 5.8 magnitude earthquake.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)

WTOP/Alicia Lozano

Despite the ongoing construction, the National Cathedral will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington Saturday, Aug. 24. Click here for more information.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)

WTOP/Alicia Lozano