To use Re enforced lead or can i just use lead

by Andrea
(Canada)

Hi Sue
We have an outdoor conservatory and I am making six cathedral shaped windows 5'x 3'for it. The window design is a panel of 3 that has a vine with leaves up one side then across the middle and down the other side of the set. So I will be repeating it twice. This design is over laid on the back ground of approximately 4" squares. I have done the small leaf pieces in foil but want to use as much lead came as possible as it is more cost effective. However I am kind of at a loss as to know whether just the lead came is enough. I would like to avoid using rebar if I could. We are installing clear glass in front of the stain glass but the structure is open on one side so it will be exposed to some weather conditions. We are not opposed to caulking the panel to the clear glass if that offers strength as well.
Any suggestions you have would be of a great help as I have been searching the net for days and have not found a direct answer. Thank you in advance for your help and I have found great info from your web site.

Answer

I would use copper restrip on every other horizontal line and the first and third vertical lines. The restrip sits on edge against the heart of the lead. Run it straight through on the horizontal lines and cut it at the joints on the vertical lines. It will give your panels plenty of strength.