Unfortunately, for many stained glass studios, including ours, they receive frantic calls from churches whose windows are at critical stages of deterioration and the church has avoided or not understood the problems that occurred until it reached catastrophic levels. Associated Crafts has designed the following guide for you to view and observe each of your stained glass windows. We have provided you with a form that you can submit to Associated Crafts for review. When completed, this survey can also serve as documentation of each window, which can be very helpful with insurance claims or reproduction in the case of loss. Before starting, first gather the following items: 1. 25’ tape measure 2. Paper and pencil 3. Digital camera 4. Note cards Observe Start at the first window. On a piece of paper, number the window (important), give a brief description and measure the window, rounding off to the nearest half foot. Interior Observations * How many pieces of broken out glass are there? * Do you see any bowed, sagged or bulged areas? * Do you see any light leaks and if so, how many? * Do you see any evidence of water leakage? * Are there any loose or missing brace bars? * Are there any brace bars missing? Exterior Observations * Is the window covered? * Is the frame wood, steel, aluminum or stone? * Is the protective covering vented? * Is the window in need of painting? * Do you see any rotten wood? Is the protective covering clear? * Is the protective covering broken? * Is there any evidence of the protective covering leaking? Measure Round off all measurements to the nearest half-foot. For example, wood that is 32” should be rounded up to three feet. Write the width measurement followed by the height measurement (W x H). On large windows, you can measure half the distance and then double it. Provide a description You need to identify each window visually. You can use the name of the scene (i.e. Gethsemane or Communion, etc.) or the name found in a memorial plate (i.e. In Honor of John Smith). Another option is to use the area of the church to identify a window (i.e. "large balcony window" or "large altar window"). Take photographs It is best to take simple digital photos. For interior photos, do not use a flash. * Take your note card and observe window number one. * Write the number 1 on the note card, place the card in the right hand corner of the window and take the picture. * Once you take the photo, review it to make sure it is clear. * Be sure the index card with the number can be seen clearly in the photo. * Take exterior photos of each window using the note cards (do this the same way you did for the interior photos). * For inaccessible windows, hold the appropriate card number in front of you so you can see the card number and window in the picture. Repeat the above steps for each window, e.g. window two would be number 2 on the card. Submit Documentation Below, please find a useful form for you to fill out that will provide the proper format for submission to Associated Crafts. We are in the process of providing this form online and eventually you will be able to submit it directly through our Web site. You can either scan or fax the document to (888)801-9551 and e-mail the photographs to Info@AssociatedCrafts.com. Associated Crafts will prepare and appraise the value of your stained glass windows and pictures on a CD and then return the appraisal and CD back to you. Make sure you keep the CD and appraisal in a safe place for future reference.
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Unfortunately, for many stained glass studios, including ours, they receive frantic calls from churches whose windows are at critical stages of deterioration and the church has avoided or not understood the problems that occurred until it reached catastrophic levels.
John Phillips Jr is author of this article on Protecting Stained Glass. Find more information about Save Energy Costs here.
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