When thinking about getting the stained glass in your church restored, there are a couple of different aspects to explore.  This type of stained glass is usually invaluable but has sentimental value and sometimes has monetary value too. Therefore the benefits of stained glass need to outweigh any drawbacks.  Read below to get an understanding of this balance and use this to help you decide if church stained glass really is worth it.

Benefits And Drawbacks of Restoring Stained Glass

Drawback 1:  The Time Investment of Church Stained Glass Restoration

The cost of a restoration hinges on the size or your windows.  Second, the scope of repair needed. If either of these is large–the stained glass windows of your church may be removed anywhere from several weeks to a few months.  Smaller windows take less time but overall stained glass restoration is a fairly big undertaking and something your church should be prepared for.

Benefit 1: How long Restored Windows Will Last

One of the biggest reasons churches get their stained-glass restored is that it preserves church history for future generations.  Even if the restoration takes a year, that amount of time is small in comparison to how low the church stained glass restoration will last.  Once restored by a true professional, your church’s stained glass windows will last at least 100 years. Here at Stained Glass, we believe ours will even last up to 200 because of the advanced leading additives we use. 

Drawback 2:  The Money Needed To Invest in Stained Glass Restoration

The truth is– stained glass restoration can be a big expense for churches to undertake.  For larger windows, this is especially true. The removal of stained glass, the transport to the studio for restoration and the manpower and machinery required all add up. Also, a quality stained glass studio employs extremely talented artists–which cost money too.  But all of this is worth every penny for renewed windows that last centuries to come. 

Benefit 2:  Stained Glass on Churches Has A lot of Value

After restoration, the value of a stained glass window can sometimes double or triple.  While added monetary value is wonderful–to churches there is deeper value. Stained glass windows in churches are dear to most congregations.  They have witnessed a lifetime of events for many parishioners–giving them added sentimental value. Furthermore, if you stained glass windows are antique–they will likely have historical value too.

There are just a few of the benefits that make it worth it to have your stained glass restored.  If budget is an issue, we can help with ideas for finding or raising the funds for your church’s stained glass via grant and/or fundraisers.  Contact us Church Stained Glass Restoration today to talk to us about your church stained glass and to schedule an on-site estimate.

Martin Faith is an expert in the areas of stained glass conservation, preservation, and history. For over thirty years, he has been working as a stained glass artisan and restoration expert. Martin grew up studying stained glass in Glasgow, where he began acquiring and salvaging beautiful collectibles made by Scottish artisans. In Glasgow, he learned the critical skills and traditional techniques required for creating the stunning stained glass windows produced by his company today in the United States, where he now resides with his wife and family. Over the years, Martin has consulted on numerous church stained glass restoration projects throughout the nation, ranging in size and complexity. Martin and his team have successfully repaired hundreds of religious stained glass windows, including those belonging to churches, cathedrals, temples, and synagogues as well as all religious denominations. He has overseen over 50,000 projects in total and is one of the most accomplished professionals in the industry.