How To Spot Damage In Your Salt Lake City Home’s Stained Glass Windows
Stained Glass Windows In The US Are Turning 100 Years Old
Here in lovely Salt Lake City and many cities in the US, the 100-year mark for stained glass windows is here. Most of this countries stained glass windows were built shortly after the turn of the century so, it is about that time that stained glass, barring any problems due to accidental breakage or poor craftsmanship, will begin to need repair or restoration. If you have stained glass in your home with stained glass windows, it may be time to start thinking about having your antique stained glass restored or inspected and cleaned. At the very least, perhaps it is time to inspect it yourself and see if the telltale signs of needing restoration are present. Below are some signs to look for on the stained glass windows in your Salt Lake City home to give you an idea if your windows need to be repaired or just need a thorough cleaning.
Look For Deterioration On Your Stained Glass
As it were, stained glass is a very durable material and relatively immune to deteriorating due to natural aging. American glass is extra stable because of the composition of the glass used here in the states. However, this does not mean the glass can never be damaged or be tarnished by elements. Some apparent signs the stained glass in your home needs repair are scratches, chips, and abrasions–which also take reduce clarity. Chemical agents and smog also get caked on stained glass–making it look old and dingy. If your glass looks cloudy or dull, this is probably why. Of course, broken panels are a sure-fire sign your glass needs professional help and should be dealt with as soon as possible since this will lead to much worse problems or total failure of the glass. If your stained glass has broken glass or missing panels, it is absolutely time to have it restored, because more damage is soon to occur.
Look For Structural Deterioration Of Your Stained Glass
The biggest breakdown of leaded stained glass is through its skeletal structure which holds the glass in place. This is when the frame itself or the leaded caming holding the pieces of glass together is rotting, deteriorating or sagging. At this point, stained glass frames are approaching total failure. You need to fix it right away or it could collapse. When caming starts to fail, you will see missing, bent or broken pieces and probably cracking on the glass near or connected to the frame. In this condition, stained glass could easily fall out from just a strong wind or vibration.
Look For Signs Your Stained Glass Is Dirt Or Needs Cleaning
Even though stained glass will likely need restoration at about 100 years of age, sometimes stained glass, even very old stained glass, is perfectly fine and may just need a deep and thorough cleaning. Stained glass cleaning is a relatively inexpensive procedure that will bring it right back to its original luster. The reason stained glass gets so dirty is environmental; soot and grime build up on both sides of the glass from things like pollution, smoke, and oxidation. Keep in mind it is critical to have a professional stained glass company clean your older stained glass is because aggressive cleaning or cleaning with the wrong chemicals will cause damage, permanently affecting your glass’s transparency and/or shine. Regular cleaning is also necessary to avoid build-up of chemicals or air pollutants which could lead to long-term damage.
See more about stained glass repair and cleaning in the video below:
https://vimeo.com/262399995
Contact us at Salt Lake City Stained Glass to have your stained glass inspected by a true professional today!
Martin Faith
Martin Faith is a talented artist, visionary, and collector of antique stained glass windows. Prior to moving to the United States, Martin worked as a stained glass artisan in Glasgow. There, he spent many years cultivating his skills and learning the techniques and history behind the centuries old art form. Today, he is the proud owner of Salt Lake City Stained Glass, the largest and most highly renowned stained glass studio in Utah. Over the past 30 years, Martin and his team have produced over 50,000 stained and leaded glass windows ranging in size, style, and appearance. His company has been highlighted on various media outlets including HGTV, the DIY Network, CBS, and NBC.
