Stained glass windows are as beautiful as they are cherished by the parishioners that adore them. So much so here in Austin that, it is no wonder we, Scottish Stained Glass, get quite a few inquiries from church pastors and congregations trying to decide whether to replace or repair the stained glass windows in their chapel. Perhaps they are sagging, dirty, chipped and cracked, or even missing pieces of glass and look beyond repair, but they are over 100 years old and possibly very valuable–what to do? While there is no simple answer, below is some guidance on antique church stained glass to give you an idea of what to do next.
The cost of restoring some badly damaged stained glass windows, large ones, in particular, can be very expensive, however, once it is restored, the value of this antique stained glass window can be up to four times the value of a new window. So while a new window may be less upfront, it will be decades before it builds the value of an antique. In regards to the cost, at Scottish Stained Glass Austin, we may be able to give you advice on fundraising drives like we have seen other churches do to restore your gorgeous stained glass. This is a project we have seen most congregations eagerly support.
A lot of customers that come to us, do not initially consider restoration because they believe that the antique glass cannot be matched. Make no mistake, matching old glass techniques is difficult but, as some of the most skilled stained glass repair artists in the state of Texas, we have access to the finest custom glass manufacturers in the world and can make or have made exact matches to your current glass. We also have developed special methods for removing and restoring massive church stained glass windows The process is lengthy and could take months but will restore these windows of sentimental and monetary value to their original luster and beauty, making them last for decades to come.
Most importantly, don’t forget what a long and glorious history your Austin church stained glass comes with. If your stained glass is very old (dating back to the early-mid 20th century) it is possible your church’s stained glass windows were designed and built by a master craftsman of the time making them valuable and something that plays an important part of the history of your church. In this case, investing in an extensive stained glass repair project may well be the best choice for your congregation.
If your church stained glass shows signs of wear it is a good idea to have Scottish Stained Glass come in and consult with you. In the case of very old stained glass, it is best not to wait because the damage will only grow worse and more costly to repair over time. Contact us today for a free, onsite consultation of your Austin church stained glass.
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