Window Guards to Protect Stained and Leaded Glass

There are many methods of protecting windows. In the main we generally consider window guards for the protection of historic and church glass. We provide bespoke stainless steel weldmesh 3” x ½ “ on a stainless steel framework all powder coated normally black (or any RAL colour specified). We aim to fit these within the traceries so that as much of the stonework as possible is still visible. We use stainless steel clips and screws into plastic plugs and these are fitted in such a way that the guard is hinged and can be easily swung away from the window to allow for cleaning repairs etc. Downside can sometimes be seen from inside
UV stabilised Polycarbonate protection can also be supplied and fitted but often this form of protection is viewed as unsightly. It must always be fitted with an air gap the upside is it cannot be seen from inside however it does burn and scratch.
Laminated glass can provide safety and security in certain situations and we have successfully used this form of protection on listed buildings.
Isothermal Glazing provides a superior form of protection but is very expensive. A separate window is made of clear glass to ‘echo’ the major lead lines of the original. The original window is removed and replaced with the ‘echo’ window. The original stained and leaded glass is placed in a framework and secured inside the ‘echo’ glass leaving a gap all around for ventilation. Sight lines need to be considered in order that the ‘echo’ glass truly echoes the original and does not detract from it.
We would be happy to discuss and demonstrate the different methods of protecting glazing so that an informed choice can be made by you or your committees.
|