Will The Stained Glass Windows On My Salt Lake City Home Fade?
Is The Stained Glass In Your Salt Lake City Home Fading?
At Salt Lake City Stained Glass, our mission is to create gorgeous, custom stained glass windows that will last for generations to come. And, when properly cared for all of our windows will. Not coincidently we also do stained glass repair and restoration for homes and churches in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas. We like to think of ourselves as the local stained glass experts and if you ask any of our former clients they will surely agree! As experts, we have the job of fielding different questions about proper stained glass care, upkeep, and maintaining of appearances. One inquiry we often get is whether stained glass fades. Many Salt Lake City home owners want stained glass but are understandably concerned that in the high altitude environments like Salt Lake City, the harsh UV rays will fade them. Others already have stained glass and think it is looking dull. Read on below to find out if stained glass fades and if so, why?
Will Stained Glass Fade?
The colors of actual stained glass windows do not fade over time. But, all stained glass is not the created the same way; there are a number of different “stained glass methods, like glazing, painting and laminating that does react UV light. In order to be colorfast, the color in stained glass typically must be baked in at a very high temperature, otherwise, it could fade from long term exposure to UV light.
If Stained Glass Doesn’t Fade Why Does Mine Look Dull?
Until we actually inspect your stained glass we cannot say for sure why it looks dull. However, assuming you do have faceted stained glass pieces, it is likely dulling because of weather conditions, indoor and outdoor man-made pollution, and biological damage caused by pests such as pigeons, bats, and various microorganisms. This means your stained glass simply needs to be cleaned in order to restore that sheen you love so much.
Why Doesn’t Stained Glass Fade?
When stained glass is made, materials that make the stained glass, like sand, are heated to a very high temperature which causes the silica molecules to incorporate into its molecular structure. The color depends on what other minerals are present. Once the glass is cooled, the molecular structures are “locked” in and only high heat will unlock it.
Stained glass windows are very durable and will last over 100 years before needing serious repair. It is a wonderful art form that will stand the test of time. When windows need to be repaired it is usually the frames and the leading that end up needing it. Even in you have a broken or chipped piece of glass, this can be easily replaced or remedied.
Salt Lake City’s Stained Glass Experts
If you have stained glass that looks dull, is sagging or has visible chips in it, contact Salt Lake City Stained Glass for a free on-site evaluation of your Salt Lake City homes stained glass windows and to schedule a restoration right away. The best way to preserve your lovely stained glass is preventative maintenance and Salt Lake City Stained Glass is just the pro for the job!
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.
