Stained Glass Information

In summary, pieces of coloured, clear or textured are cut into shapes to fit a design. These pieces are then assembled using one of the following two methods - leading and copper foiling.

Leading - This is the traditional technique used for windows and leaded lights that are required to be watertight. Lengths of lead called 'lead cames (H, Y or U shape in profile) hold the pieces of glass together, and each joint is soldered on both sides.

Copper Foiling is a method attributed to a Louis Comfort Tiffany. Wonderful lampshades of the late 19th Century were made by him using this technique. This method uses copper foil stuck to the edges of the cut glass before solder is applied along the seams. This method leaves a finer end result than leading., It is not suitable for creating external windows and doors with any longevity or integrity. It is also not weatherproof.

Why would I need to restore my window and what is the process?

If there are too many breaks, or the lead structure is damaged, the window rattles when tapped as cement has failed, or it has bowed or weakened in any way - the window will need to be removed completely from its frame. The window will be temporarily glazed using glass or wood.

This panel/window would be stripped back to its bare components in our workshop. All the old lead would be scrapped, all cracked or broken glass would be replaced like for like** and cut to shape, the window would be rebuilt using new lead and cement, and would be returned to its original state.

**every effort would be made to match the glass like for like, but due to glass making techniques this is not always fully possible - and as such the customer will be talked through the options for slight changes.

What are the safety aspects that are relevant to the service?

Areas of concern with British Standards and Building regulations are as follows:-

1. Safety - Traditional stained glass lead lights are often glazed in vulnerable/critical areas - doors, side lights and at low levels. The regulations are very clear in deeming traditional stained glass lead lights as safe and suitable for use in these areas provided the small panes within the lead do not exceed specific sizes (which ours don't).

2. Heat Loss - The regulations only apply to new doors and window frames, not to re-glazing old ones, and state that if the glass area is less than 50% of the door or window frame single glazing (and therefore traditional stained glass lead lights) is sufficient, if higher than 50% a double glazed unit is required. Whereas it may be possible to argue that double glazing would not suit the character of the house, it is possible to have traditional stained glass lead lights, and double glazing working together, there are various ways of achieving this to suit different situations - which can be talked about at a consultation.

What locations do we cover?

We are happy to consider projects in all UK areas. We are local to Warwickshire & Leicestershire and can easily travel to the following: -

  • Leicestershire (Ashby de la Zouch, Hinckley, Loughborough, Ibstock, Market Bosworth, Lutterworth, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray)

  • Warwickshire (Atherstone, Coleshill, Henley in Arden, Kenilworth, Leamington Spa, Rugby, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwick, Nuneaton)

  • Derbyshire (Ashbourne, Bakewell, Derby, Buxton, Chesterfield, Glossop, Matlock, Wirksworth)

  • Nottinghamshire (Nottingham, Cotgrave, Newark On Trent)

  • Northamptonshire (Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Towcester, Wellingborough)

  • Rutland (Oakham, Uppingham)

  • Cheshire (Chester, Congleton, Crewe, Knutsford, Ellesemere Port, Macclesfield, Middlewich, Nantwich, Sandbach, Northwich, Warrington, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Altrincham)

  • Staffordshire (Burton on Trent, Cheadle, Leek, Lichfield, Newcastle under Lyme, Stafford, Stoke on Trent, Stone, Tamworth, Uttoxeter, Rugeley)

  • Birmingham (Solihull)

  • Lincolnshire (Lincoln, Skegness, Grantham, Grimsby, Immingham, Louth, Mablethorpe)

     

Where can I look online for Stained Glass Designs & Inspiration?

If you have a specific style in mind, then a Google Image search with that style and the words 'Stained Glass' works well.

Other places to look are: -