Double pane diamond leaded windows?

4 years ago

Hi,

We're redoing our house and wanted to maintain the charm of those leaded diamond windows in the living room. Our contractor told us this was no problem. We got paneless Marvin windows, meaning it's just the frame without the glass. Our contractor got the leaded glass done, but then was unable to find anyone to sandwich it so that it would be waterproof and fit the Marvin frame.

Has anyone gotten this done before? If so, could you recommend a professional? We're in the SF Bay area but happy to order from anywhere in the US.

Thanks,

Ben

Featured Answer

PRO

HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC

4 years ago

We've done this in the opposite order with good results. Get the window of your choice with their glass, warranty, etc, and then have a third party come in and do a "lead look" overlay. You may be past that option at this point unfortunately.

I agree with Eastbay that you may have a hard time getting someone to assemble and warranty IGU's with you providing glass. Calling local glass shops will be your best bet IMO.

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Comments (7)

eastbay10
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I ordered diamond leaded glass as a complete unit directly from Marvin. It was a number of years ago so it may be different now. It was a company in the state of Washington. It was a long lead time then so probably even longer now.

Ask your Marvin dealer to check on it. Easier if you are dealing with someone familiar with the product and knows the glass sizes.

The reason that you are having trouble with anyone to make the sandwich is the warranty on the IG unit and handling someone else's glass should they break it.
Ben L
Original Author
4 years ago
That's exactly what our contractor said! We looked at the Marvin designs but didn't see anything we liked. Seems like I mistook the name of the design; it's not diamond but cathedral: http://www.storefrontlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/leadpatterns.jpg
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Ben L
Original Author
4 years ago
I think we might end up doing the lead look on top of regular glass.
C V
3 years ago
Can you share a photo of how it turned out? I have leaded windows and I'm looking for a replacement. Are you happy with the result?
Ben L
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
We ended up getting lead glass panels and following these instructions to affix them to the windows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpzsl5DtSmc

It looks great from the inside, but from the outside it's not as dramatic since there's glass in front of the lead. Also we did an ok job with the tape and it can be seen from the outside.

Other tips if you want to follow the same path:

- the place we got the lead glass from shortens it by 1/8" on all sides to ensure it fits. This is good in theory, but in practice it means seams are more visible

- since there was a gap all around there was also a chance for the panels not to be completely centered and leveled. I'd maybe add some material in the corners to give it some padding.

- it's rainy and humid... and it looks like we trapped moisture in between the panels. Probably best to wait for a dryer time of year.
Sigrid
3 years ago
We use Begala Window Works in Westbrook, Maine. They restore original windows. We have storm window outside our leaded stained glass windows and an acrylic inside. Never had a problem with them. They aren't in our bedroom, where there is occasionally enough humidity at night to cause temporary frost between our 100 year old windows and the storms.