Signs of Deterioration

It is recommended that owners and proprietors be pro-active and regularly check their windows for deterioration in the following areas. Depending on the fatigue of the lead matrix it may be recommended to re-lead the window in order to avoid serious future damage and costly restoratons.

Lead and Matrix Solder Joints

Inspect the panels for general sturdiness, cracks or missing lead came and/or broken solder joints. Also check for a loss of putty and/or the un-housing of the glass lead.

Sagging or Bulging Panels

Inspect your windows for sliding panels. There may be a gap between panels. Look for bulges in panels and/or buckling at the bottom of the window.

Detached Copper Wires

Inspect the connection (copper wire) between the supporting iron bars and the lead matrix. Bulges may indicate this connection is severed, which destabilizes the window.

Fading Paint

Inspect the glass for fading paint. Can you only faintly see the outlines of what must have been a figure or an ornament? Do pictures of the window taken in earlier days reveal more detail than the window itself does now?

Broken Glass or Missing Glass

Look for broken or cracked glass, which is especially dangerous if loose, and threatening to fall. Glass often breaks when windows buckle.

The Causes of Deterioration 4 >