Does the Stained Glass in my Salt Lake City Church Need Repair?

By Martin Faith Stained Glass Restoration Comments Off

When it comes to making repairs on religious stained glass windows, a conservative approach should be adopted. After all, much of today’s stained glass in Salt Lake City is very old, with many windows being old enough to be considered antiques. Preserving stained glass is important for both cultural and historic reasons, and it also ensures that it can be enjoyed by future generations.

However, when issues arise that result in damage or deterioration to the glass, they should be addressed immediately. Knowing what to look for to identify when the stained glass in your Salt Lake City church or temple needs to be repaired can greatly extend its lifetime and keep it looking bright and beautiful over the years.

Warning Signs that Stained Glass Needs Repair

All stained glass windows usually need some type of repair within their lifetime. The most common reason for repairs is accidental glass breakage. However, stained glass does undergo a process of deterioration after some time usually due to environmental reasons. Here are some warning signs of what to look for:

Chipped, cracked, or flaking paint

Discolored or cloudy glass pieces

Cracked or loose pieces of glass

Bowed or sagging leading

Concave or convex glass pieces

Yellowing of the plexiglass or exterior covering

Taking a Conservative Approach to Stained Glass Restoration

The most important part of stained glass restoration is the dating and documenting of the glass. Determining the exact age of the stained glass helps in identifying what methods, techniques, and materials were used in its original construction, which can then be applied during the restoration. The original design should also be carefully documented in order to ensure its preservation.

A good studio, like ours, will do their best to preserve as much of the stained glass as possible. This usually means taking a conservative approach to repairs. Cleaning should occur very careful and only with gentle cleaners. All of the original glass should be kept except pieces that are severely damaged.

If you’re interested in learning more about our services, you can give us a call or check out the video below:

Schedule an Appointment for Repairs

If you have stained glass in your Salt Lake City church that needs repairs or have questions about stained glass restoration, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to help you schedule an appointment and provide you with additional information.