The existing stained glass windows (37 total) were all damaged by vandals. These stained glass panels were set into the stone jambs with mortar and had to be chiseled up for repair. Three of the large windows were damaged by a tree falling against the church and were also totally destroyed. I ordered commercial aluminium window frames and double glass insulated panels, because the windows were so large the glass in the panels had to be 1/4" thick. With 2 layers of 1/4" glass the panels were extremely heavy. The aluminium frames are designed so that the stained glass can be reinstalled on the inside of the double glazed clear glass panels. The plan is to rebuild the stained glass panels and reinstall them at a future time. The aluminium frames and double glazed panels were ordered, but it took over a year; almost 18 months to be delivered. The glass contractor was to install the units, but left the project and we had to install them. The frame and glass were fabricated the wrong size on one window, one glass panel was cut the wrong size on another, and 10 frames were not fabricated at all. Because the delivery was so long to be completed, plywood had to be installed in the openings. This process was an ordeal to say the least, but is now complete.
The windows destroyed by the tree.
These are the best stained glass panels that were existing.
All stained glass panels were removed
All plywood installed in the openings
Installing the aluminum frames and glass panels
Windows all installed, sealed, and caulked.
Great work Rod. :-)
What an incredible journey, Rod! The windows look beautiful. Glad you were able to completely install them before bad weather!! Great job, my friend!!