Whether your church stained glass windows are 300 years old or 30 years old, they need care. Inspection with your own eyeballs is a common sense starting point. Include it on your annual chores checklist to ensure your church’s stained glass windows continue to radiate the light of day. Note that while your goal is preservation and prevention, the means (proper repairs and corrective measures) should be professionally addressed. A professional contact suggestion for stained glass care is the studio from which the windows were purchased, if known, or The Stained Glass Association of America (Phone: 1-800-438-9581).

First, look at the glass itself for cracks, breaks, or holes from projectiles. Get close up and scan the lead came to see if you find any breaks. Came is the grooved lead strip used to join the pieces of glass. If there are multiple breaks in the lead, re-leading is likely required. Also, survey the cement between the lead came and the glass. You can check this from the inside by pressing firmly directly on the center of a lead joint near the middle of a stained glass panel. If you feel movement or notice a caking sound, re-cementing is necessary.

Check for bulging or bowing panels. Stand inside the building and look up, intent on looking for any areas that are not vertical, i.e. areas that appear to have a curved or folding effect, either inward or outward. While minor sagging and bulging may be expected in an old window, bulges that are 1” from vertical indicate the window is at risk. If you suspect problem areas and can safely access them, get a closer look. The presence of either surrounding glass breaking or movement of the bulging area when gently pressed indicates immediate action is required to prevent further damage.

Examine the steel braces which support the stained glass panels. Modern braces are often rectangular. Stained glass windows that are 100+ years old have rounded braces. The joints are either wired or soldered, and the braces are attached to the window frame at both ends. Check each stained glass window from the inside by grasping each brace to detect movement. No movement is a good sign. Both ends of the brace should be firmly fastened to the frame. Also, view the wiring or solder to see if it is intact at the joints. Loosened braces or deterioration at the joints needs attention.

Clean stained glass very carefully. Never use anything abrasive or caustic and never spray with a pressurizer. Contact a qualified professional first for cleaning recommendations.

If you’re a church (with or without stained glass windows), contact your Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent at the Richey-Barrett Insurance Company to discuss your insurance concerns.