Stained Glass Restoration

Overview

The art of stained glass has been passed down through generations—from father to son, and master to apprentice—blending centuries of tradition with the innovations of modern technology. Heritage Restoration and Design Studio is proud to continue this legacy by offering expert design and full historic restoration of leaded stained glass windows and panels.

History of Stained Leaded Glass

Since the Middle Ages, artisans have been perfecting the craft of combining colored glass and lead to create awe-inspiring windows. These masterpieces have graced churches, homes, public buildings, and businesses for centuries.

Historically, stained glass served not only as a source of beauty but also as a powerful storytelling medium—rich in symbolism, faith, and culture. That tradition continues today. There is no substitute for authentic stained glass—its brilliance, depth, and handcrafted charm remain unmatched.

Our Window Restoration Process

At Heritage Restoration and Design, each restoration begins with a careful and methodical evaluation. Our goal is to preserve the artistic and historical value of every piece while ensuring its longevity and stability for future generations.

General steps in our stained glass restoration process:

Assess the age and condition of each window
Determine installation method (interior or exterior)
Evaluate value of window units with and without frames
Professional removal and secure crating for transport
Full restoration, including:
- Broken glass repair
- Lead (caming) repair or replacement
- Sealing
- Structural bar installation
Crating and safe return shipment to the client
Careful reinstallation into existing or newly fabricated frames

We maintain specialized insurance coverage throughout the process—from removal and transit to final installation—to ensure your investment is fully protected.

Framing Solutions

Stained glass panels are typically housed in either wood or metal frames. At Heritage Restoration, we custom-build both types to meet the specific needs of each project.

Wood Framing

Our in-house wood shop designs and fabricates custom wood frames—either brand-new or historically accurate reproductions—to match existing architecture and period details.

Metal Framing

For modern applications, we also offer custom aluminum frames through our trusted partners. These can be produced in natural, painted, or anodized finishes to coordinate with your building’s design.

Each of our wood and metal frame systems is engineered to:

Support and protect stained glass panels
Accommodate modern insulated clear glass on the exterior
Provide thermal insulation and an effective vapor barrier
Preserve the stained glass from environmental damage for decades

At Heritage Restoration and Design, our commitment is to preserve the beauty and integrity of stained glass while combining time-tested craftsmanship with modern protection and functionality.

Let us help you bring new life to your stained glass windows—faithfully restored for generations to come.

Heritage Restoration and Design Studio's Mission: “Design, Restore and Preserve for the Future”