Built in the mid-20th century, Clairemont Lutheran Church is an architectural landmark in San Diego, California, known for its distinctive sanctuary design inspired by the turning pages of a book. For decades, its west-facing stained glass windows have filled the interior with light and color. However, by 2024, these impressive features faced severe deterioration, threatening the integrity of the building and disrupting the congregation’s worship experience.
Emergency Restoration Needed
When the church contacted our team at Church Stained Glass Restoration, they were dealing with serious water damage. Every rainstorm left walls saturated, carpets soaked, and even the basement flooded. Initially believed to be a roofing problem, multiple inspections revealed the true source: the stained glass windows. The sealant had failed, the flashing was corroding, and the installation had never been properly waterproofed.
Roofers refused to move forward with repairs until the windows were addressed, prompting the church to seek a highly specialized restoration team.
Stained Glass Restoration Project Background
Upon inspection, we discovered these were not traditional Dalle de Verre glass panels, but rather a lightweight acrylic-bonded material mimicking the style. The wood frames were completely rotted, requiring full reconstruction.
Given the extent of the damage, simple resealing was not an option. We developed a comprehensive plan to fabricate new, authentic Dalle de Verre stained glass windows designed to last for generations.
A top priority was matching the original appearance, which required sourcing rare glass colors. A particularly challenging shade of blue was recreated by layering melted blue over clear glass. We also secured a supplier with a reserve of authentic Dalle de Verre glass, ensuring perfect color matching for future restoration phases.
Waterproofing for the Future
Once the new frames were constructed, we reinstalled the windows using modern, long-lasting waterproofing techniques:
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Rolled roofing-style flashing to prevent corrosion.
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Liquid and tape flashing for multiple layers of moisture protection.
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Precision sealing and caulking to guarantee a watertight finish.
The result is a restoration built to last 80+ years, exceeding the original 50-year lifespan.
Community Impact and Testimonials
The congregation has been thrilled to see their sanctuary transformed. Members expressed awe at the renewed beauty and the peace of mind knowing the building is now protected from water damage.
“These windows are more than just decoration,” shared one member. “They are part of our story, and seeing them restored means everything to us.
Bring new life and beauty to your church with Church Stained Glass Restoration from Scottish. Contact our office to speak to a designer about your project or to receive an estimate on our services.
