| Question: |
| “I think the leaded glass windows and doors in my house need to be repaired. Would you come and look at then? |
| Answer: |
| Of course! But for both of our sakes, you need to do a little research first. Ask yourself the following questions: |
| 1. |
| Is some of the glass broken? If you see cracks and/or outright breaks, PLEASE don’t try to mend the glass yourself. I’ve seen many instances of “self-repair” in which people have used glue, silicone, or tape to keep broken pieces together. These products will worsen the damage and make the window even more difficult to repair. |
| 2. |
| Is the window or door sagging or bowing in one or more directions? Over time, indoor and outdoor elements can cause the lead that holds the glass in place to oxidize and stretch. For example, temperature changes and structural shifting – the same conditions that can cause a wall to show cracks – will have the same effect on windows. No leaded window should be left in this condition: The deterioration of the metal eventually will result in more broken glass. |
| 3. |
| What is the integrity of each piece of lead? This is not so obvious to the casual observer, and requires getting much closer to the glass. The first two examples didn’t require any more than looking at your window or door from a few angles in good sunlight. For this examination, you’ll need to check the integrity of each piece of lead. Please don’t put yourself in danger by standing unsafely on a table, chair or ladder. Leave the gymnastics to insured professionals! Where it is convenient, look closely at the joints where solder binds lead strips together to hold individual pieces of glass in place. Do you see any cracks – big or small – at these intersections? Are any of the lead strips curling away or separating from the glass they’re meant to protect? Needless to say, this condition needs repairing. |
| 4. |
| Check the integrity of any support bars. Larger windows need a number of these structural reinforcements. Is the lead that the bars are attached to holding up? In many older windows, support bars might actually be pulling the lead away from the window rather than helping to hold it in place. That is because support bars are often made of steel, which is much stronger than lead. If the window is not properly supported, the steel will pull the lead away form the glass – the opposite of what it is intended to do. |
| 5. |
| Finally, does
the piece rattle? Can you hear pieces of glass moving when you use
the door or window? Can you feel air coming through? If
you do feel moving air, you’re also losing heat and air-conditioning. |
| Stained glass deteriorates slowly at first. Once the deterioration begins, however, the problems expand geometrically. If you would like your windows inspected, please call Selvin Glass. And yes, we are insured. |
Before Restoration
After Restoration
Before restoration, this once-stately window shows the effects of time and environment: Pieces of glass are missing or cracked and lead strips are separating. It’s a mess and only will get worse with time
Split Leads and Solder Joints
Close-up makes it clear that the lead strips in a once-beautiful stained-glass window are beginning to split. If not repaired, the damage will only get worse.
Leads curling away from the glass
Detail of Curling Leads
Compare the old lead in this window with the bright, new strip along the bottom. What does the glass in your stained-glass windows or doors look like?
Oxidized Powdery Leads
Windows Being Unpacked
