What Mistakes Are You Making With Your Glass?

Stained glass became popular ever since the Gothic churches were built. They still remain a good way to beautify the architectural style and add colour to a home. Additionally, stained glass windows don't show off stains so easily. But that's not an excuse to leave them unattended. You need to be on guard, always cleaning them and looking out for any signs that show they need repairs. Here are some expert tips when it comes to maintaining these windows.

Clean Them Daily

One of the best ways to do your cleaning is by simply using a soft cloth and dusting them on a daily basis. Using a soft cloth is monumental especially when doing thorough cleaning, because it prevents the glass from acquiring any scratches. Additionally, go for neutral solutions mixed with water. Acidic solutions like ammonia are a bad idea. They can easily attack the glass and metal structures that hold it.

Clean each glass separately. That way you'll be thorough and perform a better job. Spray your solution on the cloth first and not directly on the window.

Inspect Your Glass

You also need to take a look at the glass so as to discover any repair signs. Look out for any breaks or cracks and call an expert to repair it. Any loose glazing is also a bad sign, and it simply means that the window isn't performing as expected. Loose glazing means the window is no longer as air tight as it should be.

Also ensure that the putty is always in place, because it's what keeps the glass intact. Any loose or missing putty needs to be immediately replaced.

Repairing

When doing your repairs, you need to be mindful of the glass grains. Your replacement choice needs to match the grain of the glass.

First, outline the damaged piece onto a paper and then cut out the exact shape onto your replacement glass. Finally, grind out the edges to give them a smooth feel and thoroughly clean them using glass cleaner. You can then knock out the damaged glass gently.

Next, place the replacement piece onto the window and solder it into place. Use enough solder to blend in with the current seams. Afterwards, smooth these seams and start soldering the other side of the window. Let the windows cool before cleaning them thoroughly.

However, when you are in doubt, it's best to call a professional. Doing the repairs without enough skill may eventually harm you.