HOW YOUR LEADLIGHTS ARE MADE
DESIGNING
There are a number of things to consider when designing a leadlight.
Naturally, our first priority is to produce windows which are sympathetic to the architecture of your home and that you will love for many years. There are also some important technical considerations.
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Structure
The durability of a leadlight is largely determined by its design. Some designs are more likely distort or buckle in the medium term, particularly those installed in doors. We'll let you know if any weaknesses exist in the design you select and how we can overcome them.
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Reinforcement
Some windows require additional support to ensure longevity. This can be provided by way of special leads with steel/brass inclusions, double glazing or attachment to steel bars installed in the window frame.
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Piece Size
Australian Standards place limits on the size of any single piece of glass in leadlights installed in certain locations. All of the leadlights made at Adelaide Leadlight Centre are designed to meet building code requirements.
CUTTING GLASS
This is the first step in actually making a leadlight. Each piece of glass in the design is cut from a larger sheet, giving consideration to the direction of its texture or colour variation.
Depending on the design, some pieces may then be painted or bevelled before construction.
LEAD CONSTRUCTION
Once all of the glass is cut and ready, we form the lead by hand around each piece and assemble the panel. Lead comes in many sizes, and it is important that profiles are selected to give the panel emphasis and authenticity.
SOLDERING
When the leadlight has been fully assembled the lead is soldered at each junction on both sides of the panel.
PUTTYING
Application of putty to the leadlight provides additional strength and makes it waterproof.
POLISHING
Finally, we polish the panel to darken the lead and clean the glass.