Replacing Broken, Missing Or Non-Original Glass With New Leaded Glass Panels

CSI Division
Division 8 - Openings
Section
Leaded Glass
Last Modified

Technical Procedures Disclaimer

Prior to inclusion in GSA’s library of procedures, documents are reviewed by one or more qualified preservation specialists for general consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitating historic buildings as understood at the time the procedure is added to the library. All specifications require project-specific editing and professional judgement regarding the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers are to serve as a general guideline and do not constitute a federal endorsement or determination that a product or method is the best or most current alternative, remains available, or is compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards. The library of procedures is intended to serve as a resource, not a substitute, for specification development by a qualified preservation professional.

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We’ve reviewed these procedures for general consistency with federal standards for rehabilitating historic buildings and provide them only as a reference. Specifications should only be applied under the guidance of a qualified preservation professional who can assess the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers serve as general guidelines and do not constitute a federal endorsement nor a determination that a product or method is the best alternative or compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards.

PART 1–GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

  1. This procedure includes guidance on replacing broken or missing glass with new leaded glass to match existing.
  2. See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be reviewed along with this procedure. These guidelines cover the following sections:
    1. Safety Precautions
    2. Historic Structures Precautions
    3. Submittals
    4. Quality Assurance
    5. Delivery, Storage and Handling
    6. Project/Site Conditions
    7. Sequencing and Scheduling
    8. General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing this procedure and should be followed, when applicable, along with recommendations from the Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO).

1.02 SUBMITTALS

  1. Product Data: Submit manufacturer’s technical data for each product indicated including recommendations for their application and use. Include test reports and certifications substantiating that products comply with requirements.
  2. Restoration Program: Submit written program for each phase of restoration process including protection of surrounding materials on building and site during operations. Describe in detail materials, methods and equipment to be used for each phase of restoration work.
  3. Samples: Submit for verification purposes, prior to mock-up erection, samples of the following:
    1. Each type of replacement glass.
    2. Each type of lead came.

1.03 QUALITY ASSURANCE

  1. Field Samples: Prior to start of leaded glass restoration work, prepare the following sample panels in building where directed by RHPO. Obtain RHPO’s acceptance of visual qualities before proceeding with the work. Retain acceptable panels in undisturbed condition, suitably marked, during construction as a standard for judging completed work.
    1. Cleaning: Demonstrate materials and methods to be used for cleaning on sample panel of approximately 4 (four) sq. Ft. in area.
    2. New Leaded Glass Panels: Prepare sample panel to demonstrate quality of materials and workmanship for each type of new leaded glass panel work.

1.04 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

  1. Packing and Shipping: Protect materials during transit, delivery, storage and handling to prevent damage, soiling and deterioration.

PART 2–PRODUCTS

2.01 MATERIALS

  1. Glass: Provide new glass to match opacity, color, thickness, texture, pattern and other aesthetic characteristics of existing glass.
  2. Putty: Standard putty manufactured specifically for leaded glass work.
  3. Braces and Other Accessories: Provide new to match existing.
  4. Cleaner: Manufacturer’s standard ammonia-base cleaning solution specifically designed for cleaning of leaded glass surfaces.
  5. Water for Cleaning: Clean, potable, free of oils, acids, alkalis, salts and organic matter.
  6. Clean, soft cloths

2.02 EQUIPMENT

  1. Stiff bristle brush
  2. Vacuum

PART 3–EXECUTION

3.01 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

  1. Replacing Broken, Missing or Non-Original Glass:
    1. Prior to replacing broken or missing glass, provide braces and temporary support as required to protect leaded glass work from deflection or other kind of damage.
    2. Pry up edges of lead came around location of new piece of glass.
    3. Remove any fragments of broken glass or any other material in channel of lead came that would affect installation of new piece.
    4. Cut new piece of replacement glass and install in location using putty in channels to hold new glass tightly in place.
    5. Press lead cames down to flat position and repair any broken or damaged solder joints. See 08822-01-R for guidance.
  2. Cleaning:
    1. Clean all leaded glass surfaces.
    2. Vacuum or brush loose dirt and dust from surfaces of glass.
    3. Wash both sides of glass using a clean cloth and cleaner.
    4. Rinse both surfaces thoroughly using a clean cloth and clean water to completely remove dirt and cleaner residue. Change rinse water frequently.
    5. Repeat process as required to produce effect established by mock-up.
    6. Wipe the surface with a dry clean cloth to prevent streaking.

3.02 ADJUSTING/CLEANING

  1. Protect leaded glass from damage during construction operation.
  2. At completion of project, remove any protective coverings and reclean any soiled surfaces using procedures and materials described herein.
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Last updated: Nov 18, 2025
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