A few months ago, I realized that I really needed to update our windows and a few other glass fixtures around the house. I started searching for a great glass shop in the area, and I was able to find a place that I felt really good about. I worked with them to replace our mirrors, our glass shower enclosures, and our windows. When we were finished, our house looked and felt brand new on the inside and the outside. I was really impressed with how much of a difference those changes made. This blog is all about installing better glass in your home.
Fixing your own leaded window can be more complicated than fixing a regular window, but it can be done as long as you have the right equipment and a lot of patience. Here are some steps to follow to fix your window.
Step 1: Locate the Right Glass Pieces
One tricky issue with leaded glass is that many of these windows were made long ago. Finding the right replacement glass can be a trek. You might want to consult a local glass shop and look through their catalogs to find pieces that match closely. You're looking for pieces that match in size and texture, but also in thickness. The thickness of the glass will affect how well it fits into your leaded window's casing.
Step 2: Have the Glass Cut
If you order glass replacement pieces from a manufacturer or an art shop, they are likely to give you an entire panel of glass to work with. You could purchase glass cutters and work with the glass yourself, but it may be best to use a glass repair shop that offers glass cutting services. This is the one step of the process that takes a lot of trial and error to learn, and it can save you a lot of time to simply have a professional do it.
Step 3: Decide How to Attach the Glass
Once you have your matching glass pieces back, it's time to decide how you will attach the glass to the leaded window. The most authentic fix would be to have the glass soldered back into place. This requires a lot of additional equipment and may be a better option for a glass repair shop than a home fix. If you're looking for simplicity, then a glass glue or super may be your best option. You could put putty in around the edges to make sure that the texture is similar to the other glass pieces. Sometimes, adding a patina to the material can give it a similar sheen to the surrounding solder pieces.
These are the basic steps for repairing a soldered window, although there are many variables that can come in between. If you encounter issues with gluing or cutting your pieces, then consider having a glass repair shop, such as Park Glass Inc, consult you or step in to complete the repair. There's nothing worse than setting out to repair a leaded window yourself, only to end up with several additional broken panels.
Share28 July 2016
