Metal Conservation & Repair
Recclesia Stained Glass is one of the few studios in the UK with its own metalwork department. As well as producing window guards and repairing metalwork associated with stained glass windows, the metal workshop undertakes the conservation and repair of metal casements, steel windows and wrought iron casements working with a variety of metals including steel, bronze, zinc, wrought iron and cast iron.
By applying our conservation approach and experience to these sorts of windows, our workshops have become highly specialised in their treatment - particularly where historic glazing is also involved at the same time.
Metal windows can be very successfully repaired and restored to good working order, even where corrosion issues appear severe. Through a careful process of removing finishes, piecing in new sections to replace corroded parts, easing and repairing or working parts and finishing in specialist paint systems, metal casements can quite often be saved and reinstated. We are also able to repair original window furniture, or reproduce it in brass and bronze by casting from moulds of the originals.
Environmental Protective Glazing (EPG)
Recclesia designs, fabricates and installs specialist environmental protective glazing (formally known as isothermal glazing) for stained glass windows which are at risk from poor environmental conditions. EPG is a major intervention and must be very carefully considered before being specified, relying on scientific data, survey work, and a significant level of expertise. Talk to us about commissioning a survey of your stained glass if you have concerns about its condition.
Protective Guards
Recclesia fabricates and installs stainless steel, powder-coated protective guards in-house. Guards are installed using carefully placed non-ferrous fixings and have minimal impact upon historic fabric. Our guards and have been installed at cathedrals, churches, castles and listed buildings. The design of our guards follows guidelines laid down by the CVMA, the Institute of Conservation, English Heritage, Cadw, Historic Scotland, the Diocesan Advisory Committee and other building conservation advisory groups.
Protective Glazing
Protective glazing, in the right situation, can be a very effective way of protecting some types of windows from either severe weather or severe vandal damage. However, the aesthetic impact of such intrusive alterations to church buildings and listed buildings means that great care must be taken in applying this solution to your building and must be very carefully considered and designed.