Reinforcing Stained Glass Sidelights

Reinforcing the Sidelight Frame

• Stained glass sidelights, like other windows, rest in a frame made from wood, metal or masonry. Such frames deteriorate over time from weather, corrosion, age or repeated vibration, and they require periodic structural maintenance to keep the window support from sagging. On wooden or metal frames, flaking and peeling paint or cracked, aged caulk should be removed and replaced with fresh paint and caulk. The individual components of a masonry frame should be replaced when they begin to crack and crumble. This reinforces the seal against water and air, protecting the frames and preventing their deterioration.

Reinforcing the Cement

• Cement is used in stained glass sidelight production to ensure that the visible lead joints of the stained glass pattern and the glass underneath form a tight bond. This bond needs to be reinforced approximately every 20 years by brushing a new cement compound onto the exterior joints of the window. This strengthens the existing bond and creates a more air- and water-resistant joint between the individual pieces of glass.

Reinforcing Cracks in the Glass

• Small cracks can form in individual pieces of stained glass over time. Sidelight glass may, in fact, be more prone to cracking, given its close proximity to the continual vibrations from the opening and closing of an entrance door. Epoxy, silicone and copper foil or wire can all be applied to reinforce the glass once these cracks occur. Copper is the preferred material when the cracks are few. Epoxy also forms a strong reinforcement but deteriorates in sunlight. Silicone works for glass under stress, as its flexible nature allows the reinforced glass to flex, too.

Protective Glazing

• Protective glazing protects stained glass sidelights from wind, weather and flying debris, much the same way as storm windows do for other types of windows. But this glazing may have a negative impact on other reinforcement efforts. For example, protective glazing can trap heat and moisture in the space between itself and the stained glass, potentially leading to deterioration of the frame and the glass. Such glazing also can make routine maintenance more difficult by limiting access to the sidelights themselves.