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Q: "Is bowing or bulging in a window something to be concerned about?" A: No window is built to bow or bulge. When noted, it indicates that your window's condition should be evaluated. This does not mean that the window is necessarily in danger. Some windows bow or bulge within several years of installation and then stabilize. If however a bow or bulge is noted more recently, this indicates that the window is beginning to fail, perhaps rapidly. A bow/bulge can be caused by a number of issues including a lack of, or failed support, or deterioration of the lead came. Any deflection of the window should be investigated. Q: "How long does a stained glass window last?" A: Although the glass in a stained glass window should last indefinitely, barring any damage inflicted to the glass, the lead came used to secure the glass is the most important structural element of the window. Although the lead came is a very stable metal, it will over time deteriorate. A general rule of thumb is that lead came will last somewhere between 75 to 100 years. This is just a rule of thumb as original installation, local conditions, and maintenance can impact a window either positively or negatively, either extending or decreasing the life of the window. Q: "My stained glass window is in need of repair. Should I have it releaded?" A: If a window is fairly young, the window may be able to be removed from it's frame and repaired without having to relead the entire window. However, removing a window from its frame causes stress to both the glass and lead cames. A window that normally will have years of life left to the cames will deteriorate much faster once it has been removed from its frame. For this reason, a window should only be removed when necessary, and if removed, you should consider having them releaded. The new lead used should match the original as closely as possible in size and shape. Q: "I've been told that protection glazing is bad for stained glass. Is this true?" A: There is a measure of truth to this statement, but it requires some explanation. In the past, when protection glazing was installed over stained glass windows, they were sealed, without any air flow. Over time, stained glass professionals have found that protection glazing without ventilation can cause more damage to a stained glass window then most any other passive source. Without a way for air to circulate through the space between the glass and the protection, the heat and moisture that can build up can cause rot in wooden frames and corrode lead cames, sometimes in as short a time as 20 years. There are a couple of reasons to install protection glazing. If your windows are threatened by vandalism or accidental breakage, a protection system can be installed with proper ventilation that will avoid these issues. Louvered vents can be installed into the protection glazing that allow air flow yet keep out dirt and debris. While some locations have installed protection glazing as a means to conserve energy, most buildings where stained glass is installed extensively have multiple issues contributing to energy loss, and a protection system does not contribute substantially to energy savings. If the windows are drafty, they need restoration, not protection. |
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