restoration
Do you, or your organization have historic artistic or architectural leaded glass windows that are in need of restoration or refurbishing? If your windows are over 60 years old, they may likely need to be re-leaded, or at least resealed. It is the nature of lead came to degrade over time, especially when exposed to the elements. Oxidized lead creates a serious health hazard, and as the integrity of the already soft metal breaks down, the effects of gravity are compounded, often resulting in bowing, folding, or separating. It is common in these cases to take the windows apart and rebuild them with a new lead structure, cleaning and repairing or replacing glass and re-sealing them in the process. Adequate reinforcement is added to the restored windows to make them stronger, for a long new life. We understand and use the methods and tools required to safely preserve art glass, and utilize safe practices in all stages of restoration, from removal of the panels, restoration of the glass and lead, and re-installation.
The above photos are some extreme examples of leaded glass that has been left too long without restoration.
The two projects above are examples of some more involved projects that Socora Glass has restored. The mausoleum window was created in the Tiffany style, with layers of antique glass.
Leaded windows before restoration
Windows after being restored
Some of the windows have a new addition of glass leaves added
leaded window restoration
Above is an example of typical aging leaded glass. This home in Oakland, California has many leaded glass windows that were falling apart with age. This is a very common experience for windows built in a certain era. This can create great problems for the homeowners. These aging windows, lose their insulating sealant, and no longer provide adequate weather resistance. The oxidizing lead also becomes a great health hazard. Socora can restore these beautiful windows that have become iconic of homes of a certain age in the Bay Area, allowing them to remain beautiful and functional as well as safe for years to come.
small scale restoration projects
Do you have a small, either installed, or hanging piece that is of special significance in your life, that needs to be preserved? Socora Glass has a unique supply of antique glass that can be used in restoration of pieces. We are also versed in the art of glass painting.