This educational section provides information about leaded glass conservation for owners and caretakers of leaded glass windows and panels. Can often be seen by looking edgewise along the surface of the panel, or holding a yardstick up to the panel. As the condition worsens, glass can crack, cames can split, and wire ties can break. This condition, although a slow process, generally causes accelerating damage as forces increase and support decreases. Gravity, vibration and shock in ventilator windows, and air pressure and temperature changes combined with inadequate support design or quality and old hard putty that doesn't allow expansion and contraction.
Corrosion can be a factor.
Protective covers that are not adequately ventilated can drastically accelerate deterioration. In the early stages, the window can be removed and soaked to soften the putty, laid flat to allow the panel to relax, and support bars added. The window is cleaned and checked. When damage has started, the window may have to be partially disassembled and cames replaced. The means of installing should not interfere with the natural flat-plane expansion and contraction of the panel.