Contact Wright's Heritage Glaziers, Traditional Leaded Window Specialists.

Traditional Leaded Window's

Sometimes clear or lightly tinted mouth blown glass is all a building needs.

Restoring leaded windows is a careful process that preserves both their structural integrity and historic character. Over time, the lead cames (the strips that hold the glass pieces together) can weaken, crack, or bow, and the glass panels may become loose or damaged. Restoration typically begins with documenting the original design, followed by gently removing the panel for cleaning and repair. Damaged glass pieces are replaced with closely matched glass, while deteriorated lead is removed and releaded to restore strength. The panel is then reassembled, soldered at the joints, waterproofed with glazing cement, and polished. When properly restored, leaded windows regain their stability, weather resistance, and original beauty while maintaining their historic authenticity.

Domestic Buildings to Churches/Cathedrals

Clear leaded windows can often be all a building needs to evoke a timeless heritage look and feel. We give these windows just as much care and attention as we would a medieval stained glass masterpiece. Quite often, it’s the simplest designs that reveal the greatest attention to detail.

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Soldering

Soldering a leaded window is the process of joining the lead cames (the grooved strips that hold the glass pieces together) to create a strong, stable leaded panel. After the glass pieces are cut and fitted into the lead channels, the joints where the lead strips meet are cleaned and flux is applied to help the solder flow smoothly. A heated soldering iron is then used to melt solder—typically a tin-lead alloy—onto each joint. The molten solder bonds the lead pieces together as it cools, forming solid, reinforced connections.

Once all joints on one side are soldered, the panel is carefully flipped and the process is repeated on the other side to ensure strength and durability. Proper soldering not only secures the structure of the window but also creates neat, rounded seams that enhance the finished appearance.

Cementing Process

The waterproofing stage of a leaded window involves applying leaded light cement to seal and strengthen the panel. After soldering is complete, a semi-liquid cement mixture—traditionally made from linseed oil, whiting (chalk), and black pigment—is brushed generously over the surface of the window. The cement is worked under the lead cames and between the glass and lead using a stiff brush, ensuring it fills any gaps.