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This page answers common concerns and questions
about leaded glass repair and custom design.
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Q: What is involved in creating a new
stained glass window or door panel? |
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A: With the help of an experienced studio the
process is simple and very enjoyable. A knowledgeable craftsman will guide you through all
aspects of the proposed project: design; decisions and options; budget; glass selection;
frame choices; architectural woodwork; installation and care. The basic procedure:
 | Visit the site and consult with our client. Examine the
architecture, decorative elements, lighting and exterior environment; these are all
elements which may have a profound effect on the finished window or panel. Careful
measurements are taken at this time.
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| Prepare a small coloured sketch to give an impression of how the
artist visualises the finished panel. Obtain client approval.
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| Prepare a specification of the technical aspects of the project,
its materials, all costs, payment schedule, approval procedure, and the time frame
necessary to complete the work.
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| Submit colours and types of glass, lead or zinc cames, framing
system, glass decoration techniques and a full size working drawing (cartoon) for final
approval.
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| Create and install the window or panel.
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Q: How can I tell if our stained glass
window requires attention? |
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A: Look for any of the following conditions:
| Buckled or bowed areas or sections
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| Cracked, bent or missing sections of lead came
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| Broken solder joints
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| Putty falling out from under the lead flanges
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| Separated tie wires or support bars
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| Glass separated from lead came
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| Broken or cracked glass
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| Missing glass
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| Painted glass deterioration
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| Deteriorated frames ( wood or metal)
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| Ventilators difficult to operate
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| Condensation between protective glazing and window (where fitted)
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Windows, as with anything else, need periodic maintenance. It is
best to consult an expert in stained glass restoration to obtain accurate information and
advice, as the actual condition can be deceptive.
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Q: Why do
windows buckle or bow? |
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A: The basic cause is the force created by the
window expanding and contracting due to temperature changes. This force is exerted
throughout the entire window. The area where the window
buckles or bows is determined by many variables, such as:
| The pattern, type, and quality of the lead cames used to fabricate
the window
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| Insufficient or improperly applied support bars
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| Inability of the panels of leaded glass to expand and contract
within their frame.
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| Use of hard setting sealing compounds
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| Un-vented protective glazing (pressure of the trapped air varies
as it heats and cools creating bowing)
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Q: Do stained glass windows need exterior
protective glazing? |
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A: The
primary reason for installing protective glazing is protection from vandalism. Stained
glass windows do not need protection from the weather, sunlight or air pollution. The
window is airtight and weathertight if the putty under the lead cames is in good
condition.
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Q: Can a
damaged stained glass window be repaired in place? |
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A: Only a very simple repair (usually of
accidentally broken glass) with one or two pieces of damaged glass being replaced, can be
satisfactorily performed in situ. Repairs in place require the lead cames to be
cut in the corners, the flanges bent-up, glass replaced, and flanges puttied and
flattened. Because the window is vertical, a proper solder joint is not possible, which
leaves the window's lead matrix in a weakened condition, which is why repairing anything
more than one or two pieces is unwise. All work beyond the
most simple repairs must be done on a table in the studio. Temporary glazing or plywood
sheeting can fill the window opening while the repair is undertaken.
Anyone proposing the restoration of windows (beyond a simple
repair) without removing them is offering only a stop-gap measure. Any work performed in
situ on a window with problems only deals with the symptoms of the window's
condition, not the root causes and is definitely not recommended.
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Q: Can a
stained glass panel be incorporated into a double glazing panel? |
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A:
Yes! The decision to make a stained glass window into a double glazing unit must be taken
BEFORE any unit is constructed. The panel is built into the spacer frame provided by the
double glazing unit fabricator and the inner and outer clear glass panels bonded to this
frame after the stained glass panel is built. We would be pleased to discuss this energy
efficient option with you. |
