Time and action taken on preventative maintenance will save you money, prolong the life of your stained glass, and delay the time in which costly restoration will be required. Few products made today are expected to last for centuries, stained glass is one of them. With proper care and a structured maintenance plan you can preserve your stained glass for centuries to come.

1.) Dust the glass occasionally with a soft dry cloth/duster, or for a more detailed clean, use a cotton swab. DO NOT use any type of cleaner such as liquid glass cleaners, ammonia, or soapy water. DO NOT wipe the glass with treated cloths. If you need to clean with more than a dry cloth, wipe gently with a clean cloth dampened with distilled water. Do not use tap water as it may contain minerals that could spot the glass. Don't over-wet the cloth, spray the glass, or allow water to leak between the glass panes or window seams. If the glass has painted details, do not use any moisture and check carefully to ensure that no paint is being removed in the dusting process. Please be cautious of copper ties, they can easily become caught on a cloth and break away from the window. Wearing proper protective equipment is necessary when handling any glass with lead came.

2.) Do not remove the putty (weatherproofing) under the cames - without the putty the window will leak rain and cold air, rattle and eventually break.

3.) Do not try to polish the lead or zinc cames (lead lines) - they are supposed to be dull gray or black.

4.) Do not ignore the condition of the wooden sash. The glazing should be intact, and the exterior of the window should be painted.

5.) Do not use silicone caulk when reglazing your windows and protective coverings.

6.) Do not caulk over existing putty or caulk, the products are not made to adhere to each other.

7.) Pay special attention to moveable panels, those in doors or operable windows they should be inspected more often because they are subjected to greater wear and tear.

Suggested Maintenance Schedule

This schedule is a suggestion only and in no way suggests the life span of any product used.

Yearly – Visual overall inspection inside and out (Church official)

• Window framing (peeling & chipping paint, rotting wood)
• Exterior coverings (broken glass, clean venting of any debris)
• Glazing/sealant (missing, peeling, not adhering to window/frame)
• Dirt build-up (use cleaning instructions on page 1)

Every 5 years – Detailed overall Assessment inside and out (Professional)

• Window framing (peeling & chipping paint, rotting wood)
• Exterior coverings (broken glass, clean venting of any debris)
• Stained Glass (broken glass)
• Glazing/sealant (missing, peeling, not adhering to window/frame)

Every 10 years – Detailed Window inspection inside and out (Professional)

• Check weatherproofing (putty) (loose pieces, gaps between lead)
• Check copper ties/reinforcement bars (loose, not connected, bowing)

Every 30 Years – Stained Glass Inspection (Professional)

• Check solder joints (cracked, loose)
• Check lead for oxidation (white powder on lead)

*****Remember to wash hands after touching lead and lead powder*****

We have found that prompt and proper maintenance can help to preserve your stained glass for its intended lifespan. Please feel free to call us with any questions and when you need maintenance above and beyond your abilities.