Two transom windows in a mansion were in
serious need of repair. They were being
held in place by boards and stuffing to keep
out the weather. Over the years, pets had
been jumping against the windows to greet
visitors.
Close up view of one portion of a window
Another close up view of deterioration.
A third view showing more damage.
After removing the windows, I made a tracing (in the background) of one of them and numbered all the pieces. I then numbered the actual glass pieces themselves then cut the whole window apart.
After cleaning the pieces to remove the old, hardened putty and some paint, I began the rebuild process using all new lead came within a zinc frame.
When the re-leading and soldering was complete, new putty was wedged into the lead to weatherproof and solidify the window.
Calcium carbonate, also know as whiting, is used to harden the putty. It also cleans the glass and burnishes the lead in the process
The completed windows were reinstalled with the addition of tempered glass behind them so future pets can jump against the windows without harming them.