Reinforcing a lead window

by Sandy Ciarrocchi
(Powell, TN USA)

Hi Sue,

I am making this window for a church and it is to fit inside the front edge of a window casement which is about 8" deep. It will not be touching the window glass at all and as this is a north facing window, no direct sunlight will ever hit it. It is an elliptical that measures 62" wide and 34" at it's tallest point. This is the inside measurement of the window casement. I am using lead came even on the edge in case it needs to be trimmed, and will use putty rather than cement. The only horizontal line is along the bottom border and there are no straight vertical lines. If I use stongline in all the seams of the rainbow will this be enough reinforcement? Would these lines be considered vertical enough? If I stopped the strongline at the top of the botton border rather than the actual edge will it matter? Does weaving strongline around pieces defeat the purpose?

Thanks so much, Sandy

Hi Sandy,

First of all, I'd use copper restrip instead of strongline. it is much easier to work with and is equally as strong as strongline.

I have added a picture showing you where I'd use the restrip. The pink lines show you where to put it. I would extend the bottom inner border all the way to the edge and try to put cut lines wherever the restrip starts. Added strength comes from it being attached to the border lead (which happens during the soldering process).

I hope you get the idea...my pink lines are anything but straight due to using the computer mouse to control the marker.