Stained Glass Repair
Restoration of Decorative Glass
Windows are constantly exposed to sunlight and weather. Changing temperatures may cause the lead between the pieces of glass to shift or separate, and constant sun exposure might cause colors to fade. As stained glass windows age, it will eventually become necessary to restore or replace a decorative window. The goal of any good restoration is to make it appear better than new, as if restoration were never needed. We aim to provide the best stained glass repair services, making the refurbishment blend smoothly into the existing materials. The end result will have no visible difference between the custom repair and the window’s original condition.
DIY Stained Glass Repair Dangers
When we work on repairing your stained glass, we perform multiple tasks to restore it to its original condition. We clean the glass, removing accumulated dirt and other airborne contaminants. We replace damaged glass with glass that matches the original color. We replace lead that is either damaged or missing.
Restoration of stained glass preserves the beauty and radiance of the original artwork, and it protects the stained glass from further damage. Should an accident occur, and a single pane of glass is broken, we can restore that as well. You keep the look you love without having to take the entire window out.
Telltale Signs That Your Stained Glass Window Needs Restoration
Owners of stained glass should routinely perform visual inspections to determine whether their window requires repairs or restoration. Minor traces of damage – such as mild oxidation or small, shallow cracks – can often be safely overlooked, though constantly re-inspecting them for escalation is strongly advised. Check the window for evident signs of damage, including broken solder joints, signs of buckling, separation of glass and lead came, broken or cracked glass, caked-on dirt, missing lead, deterioration of the window frame, and damaged or missing waterproof putty. You should also examine the area around the window as well as the entire building. Indications of water damage, leaking gutters, or foundation damage can contribute to problems with the window. When you notice visible damage to your window, call us or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appraisal. Calling a building inspector to assess your building’s damage is recommended for both your window and for your building as a whole.
Expertly-crafted stained glass can last from 75 to 100 years before requiring repairs or restoration. If you find yourself needing frequent maintenance on your stained glass, you need to consider the possibility that it is either unsalvageable, or that it was poorly constructed or maintained. Repairs and restorations can solve most naturally-occurring threats, but stained glass that has been mistreated or badly-designed may not be recovered to its original state. It is vital for owners of stained glass to buy their windows and repair services from skilled, honest craftspeople and artisans. We at Sewell Art Glass have the extensive skills and experience to do the job correctly the first time, allowing your windows to last another 75 to 100 years.
Deteriorization of Stained Glass
Whereas standard glass rarely degrades due to exposure from typical wear and usage, stained glass has complications and weaknesses that standard glass lacks. Older productions of stained glass were often of poor quality, making them more vulnerable to weather and water damage. The paint on stained glass can flake over time, resulting in shedding of paint chips and discoloration in the stained glass.
Deteriorization of the Supporting Structure
Stained glass windows are secured in place by a frame members and metal cames; lead is the most common metal used. As the components of the frame – such as wood sash, steel bars, and stone tracery – degrade due to typical wear and tear or external damage, the frame will fail to provide sufficient support to the window, causing the window to sag, crack, or fall completely out of the frame.
Do-It-Yourself Stained Glass Repair Dangers
There are many online tutorials for stained glass repair, but they are not the safest option. Attempting a do-it-yourself repair of stained glass windows can damage the stained glass and expose you to significant health risks. Stained glass can be easily scratched or chipped by improper cleaning attempts. Abrasive tools such as wire sponges can permanently damage glass, and strong chemicals can remove text and artistic details as well as dirt and other particles. Also, as a leaded glass window ages, some of the lead in the glass becomes a powder, which you can touch or inhale. This could leave you facing lead poisoning. Lead accumulates in the body, causing illnesses such as kidney dysfunction and anemia. It is best to leave all types of stained glass repair to the experts like us here at Sewell Art Glass.
The Benefits of Entrusting Your Stained Glass Repair to Sewell Art Glass
We at Sewell Art Glass pride ourselves on being one of the most professional stained glass window repair companies in Texas. Our founder and lead artisan, Terry Sewell, has performed a variety of stained glass repairs, restorations, and creations since 1974. Our staff will safely remove your damaged stained glass and transport it to our workshop, where we will apply our expertise and experience to restore it to its original condition. Though our glass company is centered in Denton, we can provide service to other parts of Texas. In addition to our stained glass window repair services, we can create new stained glass windows for our customers, design custom glass windows for industrial and business locations, and apply protective glazing to stained glass to prevent further damage from vandalism and environmental hazards.
Sewell Art Glass Is Ready to Restore Your Stained Glass Art
With nearly half a decade of experience with stained glass windows, we are proud to offer our restoration services to customers in Denton, Houston, Dallas, Portland, and Fort Worth. We are ready to repair your stained glass, leaded glass, and art glass, bringing them back to their original condition. Contact us today to receive a quote for your stained glass window repair and other glass work needs.