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Protective Glazing/Storm Windows
PROS
Protects Stained Glass from Vandalism
When properly
installed by knowledgeable stained glass professionals, protective glazing is
excellent protection from vandalism and incidental damage.
Saves on Heating and Cooling Costs
On
intermittently heated worship spaces and religious buildings, the annual
payback on protective glazing is usually very small, taking decades to
recover installation costs.
Protects Stained Glass from Weather
Good
quality, properly maintained, stained glass windows are
weatherproof. They are
designed to be exposed to all but catastrophic weather conditions.
Adds Years of Life to Stained Glass
In
many cases, protective glazing has been installed instead of maintaining
or restoring stained glass windows.
In many of these cases, the protective glazing has accelerated
aging and worsened the damage to the windows and their surrounds.
CONS
Detracts From Appearance of the
Building
Scratched,
yellowing, and bowed protective glazing, is an eye sore. The outside appearance of stained
glass windows and the building they compliment are nearly as important as
their appearance from the inside.
Traps Moisture and Heat
Un-vented
or inadequately vented protective glazing traps moisture; which
deteriorates both stained glass and the surrounds. Trapped heat accelerates the
expansion and contraction cycle in the window that is primarily
responsible for aging and eventual structural failure.
Prevents Necessary Maintenance
Incorrectly
designed and installed, protective glazing, can prevent or inhibit the
necessary maintenance and inspection of windows and frames. It can also prevent the beneficial
effect of rainwater periodically washing the exterior.
Unnecessary Expense
Protective
glazing must be maintained as well as the stained glass. On poorly designed or executed
installations, replacement may be necessary; due to objectionable
appearance or deteriorated material.
If your Church has, or is considering protective
glazing, please contact us for more information. We can evaluate your situation and
help you decide what the best course of action is. We neither condemn nor advocate
the use of protective glazing, but are very aware of its disastrous
effects when improperly installed, or installed instead of proper care
and maintenance. Our
knowledge on the subject of protective glazing has been expanded and confirmed
in a research study done, by the 'not for profit' organization, 'Inspired
Partnership', in conjunction with 'The National Preservation Center'.
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