Protective Glazing
Protective glazing provides for the preventative aspect of window repair, serving a multitude of purposes. For one, glazing provides insulation and prevents airflow around the window frame. This increases the energy efficiency of the building and saves on heating and cooling costs.
Secondly, it also serves to reduce condensation buildup on the interior of the window, such as could be caused by wind-driven rain, that could cause damage to the window frame in the form of mold-growth or rot. Thirdly, glazing provides exterior protection from storm damage and vandalism.
When done correctly, protective glazing of leaded stained glass can preserve the artwork that is the window, as well as the structural integrity of the window design. In addition, windows can be vented to decrease the chance of condensation building up and creating damage to the window structure.
Some stained glass repair shops will offer protective glazing as one of their services. Those that sell or use protective glazing claim that protective glazing makes stained glass windows more energy efficient, reduces the amount of maintenance associated with upkeep, and protects them from environmental damage – such as wind, pollution, and ultraviolet rays. However, applying protective glazing to a stained glass window can increase the chances of extraction and expanding to occur due to the build-up of heat in the air.
Protective glazing can also complicate future attempts at repair and restoration. Improperly-applied protective glazing can increase the rate at which stained glass windows degrade or deteriorate. And protective glazing can interfere with the color schemes of the stained glass window, defeating the purpose of repairing or restoring it. For most owners of stained glass art, the drawbacks of protective glazing severely outweigh the benefits.