Repair and Encapsulation
Repairs
Stained Glass Windows should last upwards of 100 years. Time and weather conditions brings about deterioration of the lead which can result in the windows bowing.
If a single piece of glass is broken and the surrounding lead and cement is in good condition, the isolated piece can be replaced. Alternatively, all the glass may be intact, but the lead and cement may need replacing.
When replacing or matching glass, samples can be shown and agreed before work starts.
Encapsulation
Stained Glass Panels can be encapsulated, essentially within a double glazed unit which creates a triple glazed panel.
The panel below was an original design within a window. A smashed piece of glass was replaced only as the majority of the lead and cement was in good condition – just in need of a good clean.
The outer strip of lead was replaced with a different lead section specially made for encapsulating the lead panel between glass panels. These allow for spacer bars to be fitted either side, the spacer bars are the standard ones used for double glazing that contain desiccant to absorb moisture.
A point to note: encapsulation has been included here as it is often enquired about. Double glazed units have a much shorter lifespan than stained glass windows, however, the cost to encapsulate the stained glass window is small compared to the price of a stained glass window, and it will be possible to have the same panel re-encapsulated at future times.
Another option is to install a stained glass panel in front of an existing double or single glazed unit. Internally, the stained glass panel will be seen in its entirety.
Stained Glass Windows should last upwards of 100 years. Time and weather conditions brings about deterioration of the lead which can result in the windows bowing.
If a single piece of glass is broken and the surrounding lead and cement is in good condition, the isolated piece can be replaced. Alternatively, all the glass may be intact, but the lead and cement may need replacing.
When replacing or matching glass, samples can be shown and agreed before work starts.
Encapsulation
Stained Glass Panels can be encapsulated, essentially within a double glazed unit which creates a triple glazed panel.
The panel below was an original design within a window. A smashed piece of glass was replaced only as the majority of the lead and cement was in good condition – just in need of a good clean.
The outer strip of lead was replaced with a different lead section specially made for encapsulating the lead panel between glass panels. These allow for spacer bars to be fitted either side, the spacer bars are the standard ones used for double glazing that contain desiccant to absorb moisture.
Standard H section Lead replaced with Y section
Panel before Encapsulation
Panel after Encapsulation. One glass panel replaced, remainder of panel cleaned only.
A point to note: encapsulation has been included here as it is often enquired about. Double glazed units have a much shorter lifespan than stained glass windows, however, the cost to encapsulate the stained glass window is small compared to the price of a stained glass window, and it will be possible to have the same panel re-encapsulated at future times.
Another option is to install a stained glass panel in front of an existing double or single glazed unit. Internally, the stained glass panel will be seen in its entirety.