church stained glass disrepair

Stained glass windows are the crown jewel of a historic church. They’re the glittering emblem that ties together the past, present, and future, preserving a centuries-long tradition. But what happens when your church stained glass falls into disrepair? Is there any way that it can be salvaged, and what are the options? Here’s everything you need to know.

 

When Does Stained Glass Need to Be Repaired?

Restoration is key to preserving historic artwork and stained glass windows are no exception. Stained glass needs periodic maintenance in order to keep its structural integrity and beauty in tact. Regular cleaning and care is crucial. Additionally, about once every 50-75 years, extensive restoration work is needed to prevent damage and degradation.

 

Signs that Stained Glass Is in Distress

It’s important to monitor your stained glass windows carefully and check for signs of deterioration on a regular basis. Some signs that stained glass is in distress and in need of repairs are:

  • presence of whitened, chalky, or bowed lead caming
  • convex or concave pieces of glass, cracked glass, or loose pieces
  • separation of brace bars from the panel
  • discoloration or peeling paint

 

Church Stained Glass Restoration & Other Options

If you have noticed signs that your stained glass is in distress, it may be a good idea to have it examined by a professional. A professional can help you identify the best avenue for making the necessary repairs, and will recommend options based on your budget, such as:

  1. Onsite repairs: It may be possible to make repairs onsite, so long as the damage is minimal and the stained glass can be easily accessed.
  2. Off-site restoration: In the case that a full restoration is required, the stained glass may need to be removed and repaired off-site in a controlled environment.
  3. Removal, replacement, or remodeling: If repairing or restoring the stained glass is not possible due to budget constraints or if your church would rather remove or replace the stained glass entirely, there are other options. You can choose to have the stained glass removed, replaced, or remodeled. These options should be weighed carefully, especially if the stained glass is old and has historic value.

 

Schedule a Consultation

Do you need to have your stained glass inspected? Call our office today to book your consultation or learn more about our church stained glass restoration services.

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.