Protective
glazing can be very beneficial to the health and long life of stained
glass windows. However, if incorrectly installed, an adverse micro-environment
may be created that can actually accelerate the rate of deterioration
of the stained glass rather than protect it. Numerous studies in Europe
and the United States concur that the greatest fault with poorly designed
protective glazing systems is the lack of proper venting of the air
space that is formed between the stained glass and the protective glazing.
This generates excessive heat that can lead to the early failure of
the supporting lead came matrix and the formation of condensation that
will attack the lead, glass and the framing materials of the stained
glass window. Proper design of a system is very site dependant. Femenella
& Associates has extensive experience with a great variety of site conditions.
The principal of the company was the consultant to a national study
of 120 protective glazing systems throughout the United States and has
written extensively on the subject. Femenella & Associates is well versed
with the installation of blast mitigation systems in historic structures
as well. Let us design the proper system for your windows.
"…Not wanting to go on forever about your dedication to quality
craftsmanship, or your ability to keep to budget and time lines, or
your innovative solutions to difficult problems, suffice it to say we
were all happy campers. You provided a complete service to us from design,
through the execution and installation of our magnificently restored
windows (and protective glazing systems)..."
Mark
H. Heutlinger
Administrator
TEMPLE EMANU-EL
TEMPLE
EMANU-EL - New York, NY
SAINT PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL - New York, NY
