At Ageless we often receive many questions regarding lead light repairs. So here is a blog post addressing a few of our most often asked questions.
How extensive does my repair need to be?
Depending on the condition of the lead in your panel, we may only need to replace the broken glass. However if your lead has become brittle and no longer supports the panel you will require a re-lead. We will pull apart your panel, clean and salvage the glass and replace the lead. In some cases we may even add extra reinforcing to your design to ensure the longevity of your panel.
Why do we sometimes recommend building a new panel and not salvage existing glass?
In some cases clients have existing panels which are broken, but have cement putty. Cement putty, as its name describes, a very hard putty used which for all intensive purposes makes a panel strong. However unlike traditional linseed putty, when used to seal windows cement putty makes a panel very difficult to repair as glass is often broken when trying to disassemble and repair a window. If your job is assessed and has cement putty we will often suggest a replica of your panel be made or your may choose a new design. At Ageless we only used traditional putty to ensure windows for future generations are easier to repair if needed.
What involved in a repair?
If your panel is assessed and you simply have a break, yet your lead is in good condition we will create an entry point in your Leadlight and replace the broken glass. This involves cutting lead in strategic places, replacing broken glass, soldering, putting and polishing your panel.
What is involved in a restoration?
A restoration is much more extensive than a repair. Restoration is required when the lead has become brittle and their are possibly many broken pieces. Panels to be restored first require as to take in impression and draw the existing pattern as a template foe your new panel. Salvaged glass is then soaked to be cleaned and broken pieces are cut in new glass. In some circumstances a panel may be so old that glass in no longer in production, if we have matching antique glass we will provide this to match otherwise with consultation with the client we will endeavour to match or make some variance so the restored panel is well balanced. When the existing glass is cleaned the panel is assembled, soldered, puttied and polished.
What happens to my door or window whilst my panel is repaired?
Our preferred glazier will come and take your panel and cover the window or door with board.
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