Stained Glass Releading and Restoration Procedure

There are many signs that indicate whether a stained glass window is in need of releading and restoration. Some are obvious, for example bowing in the window, and some are not. If you are not sure or if you would like a no obligation analysis done, please give us a call.

The following is a very brief overview of the releading and restoration process done by our skilled craftsmen who are the tops in their field. For more information about this or any other stained glass process please contact Trillium Glass.

On removal and arrival back at the studio with the stained glass window:

Facts are gathered and documented on its condition based on a thorough inspection.
The window is then photographed and a rubbing is made of the window that will be reused later in its reassembly. Rubbings are taken by laying a sheet of paper over the old caming, then rubbing carbon paper over the caming. By doing this both the various shapes of glass, as well as the shape of the caming is identified.
All other aspects are documented as well, such as measurements, lead came sizes and the configuration.
Due to the fact that we have been in business so long we have the advantage of stocking a lot of the glass that is no longer available. As a result we can replace any missing, broken, or badly cracked pieces with the same or closest match available to us.
The window is then carefully put in a tank of solution designed to break down the old cement, then completely disassembled and properly cleaned.
At this time any repairs needed such as replacement of broken glass are noted. With the exceptions where some replacement glass is not in our large stock then we will attempt to find it elsewhere for the purpose of retaining the integrity of the window’s composition.
Using all new lead, having sent the old lead to a recycling company; the window is reassembled onto the rubbing, thereby implementing any replacement glass that is necessary noted above.
The window is then soldered at each joint where the lead joins and then the window panel is turned over and soldered on the opposite side.
The window is then cemented, which contributes greatly to the overall structural integrity of the window and makes the window watertight. The cement is applied under the lead flanges on both sides of the window so that the space between the lead and the glass is filled. Edwards Glass Company prides itself in using our own recipe of cement, which over the years has proven itself in giving the windows maximum rigidity and longevity
Once the cement naturally cures the glass is picked and cleaned a number of times so that no cement residue is evident on the glass.
On completion, the window has structural bars attached in the various intervals throughout the window to give it maximum strength while they are implemented into the wood stops on reinstallation.
As a final step these steel bars are painted with a rust resistant paint.
On the drying of the paint the windows are then reinstalled to their original openings by our experienced glaziers after addressing any wood repairs and/or replacements that are necessary.

Please contact us for further information. We will be looking forward in hearing from you.

Tips

– Make sure that your windows are adequately insured at all times.
– Take photographs of all of your windows and document location of each window on the back of the photographs.
– Keep one set in a safe place and give a second set to your insurance company.