Can Stained Glass Windows Be Protected from Hail Damage in Denver?

There are so many great things about living in Colorado – quick access to skiing, great hiking, and concerts year round. But one thing that’s not so great about living here is the hail. Colorado is right in the middle of something called “Hail Alley”. That means that hail here is worse than almost anywhere else in the country.

And just like the windows of your home or car, stained glass can be easily damaged by hail. And, unfortunately, it’s much more expensive to fix than a broken windshield. But what if there was a way to avoid all of this? Can stained glass windows be protected from Denver hail storms? We asked our experts at Stained Glass Denver and this is what they told us.

Hail Damage Repair for Leaded Glass Windows

In Colorado, hail damage is very common for leaded glass windows that are exposed on the exterior. Without anything to cover and protect the glass, the hard hail hits the surface like tiny marbles being hurled through the air. The result is usually several holes in one or more of the panels.

If the storm also brings strong winds, the window may also suffer wind damage and be pushed inward. When this happens, the steel bars and lead caming pull away from the window, and the glass pieces are put under a lot of pressure. This eventually causes them to crack and/or fall out.

A stained glass window that has been damaged by hail will need to be repaired and restored. If the damage is minimal, repairs can be done onsite. The glass technician will simply remove the damaged pieces and replace them. However, if there are a lot of broken sections, or the window also has wind damage, it will need to be removed and brought to a repair shop for a full restoration.

Can Anything Be Done to Protect Stained Glass from Hail Storms?

Absolutely, yes. We recommend having a piece of low-e safety glass attached to the exterior of your home or church to protect the stained glass. This will keep the Colorado hail at bay. However, it’s important that whoever installs the tempered glass makes sure to add vents. Without vents, heat can’t get out and that can cause a whole new set of issues that lead to some expensive repairs.

Get More Information

Do you have a stained glass window in Denver that’s been damaged by hail? Call our office to schedule your free consultation for a hail assessment. We’ll send someone out to look at the damage and help you figure out what steps to take next for the repairs.

Martin Faith

Martin Faith is a talented artisan, collector of antique stained glass, and the owner of Stained Glass Denver. For over thirty years, Martin has been running his company in Denver using the techniques he learned as a stained glass artisan in Scotland. He has devoted his life's work to perfecting the art form and studying its history. Martin's company specializes in custom creations, which are made using the highest quality materials and authentic, original designs. In addition to residential and commercial stained glass, the company also offers services for churches and religious buildings. Over the years, Stained Glass Denver has completed numerous restorations of historic stained glass and produced over 50,000 windows.