How to Have Amazing Windows on Any Budget

Everything You Need to Know About Leadlight Doors

by Landon Ferguson

Leadlight doors are mostly used in artistic and religious buildings. However, if they fit the kind of door design you are looking for, you can have them installed for your home or commercial space; they just need to match the aesthetics of your premises. Here's everything you need to know about leadlight doors:

What Are Leadlight Doors?

These are doors with a wooden frame that surrounds several pieces of glass that are separated from each other or joined together by strips of lead known as lead cames. The term leadlight comes from these lead trips, but you should know that the strips can also be made from other metals like brass, zinc and copper. It just so happens that lead was the first metal to be used because of its ease to work with (it bends easily).

Clearing Up a Misconception

  • Stained glass – This is glass that has been stained with a particular colour or pattern.
  • Clear glass – This is glass that has not been stained.
  • Leadlight glass – These are pieces of glass that are separated from each other by cames; the glass can be stained or not. As long as cames are present, then that is leadlight glass.

The confusion comes when some individuals refer to leadlight glass as stained glass. The right terms should be stained leadlight glass or clear leadlight glass.

The Two Main Reasons Why Leadlight Doors Are Used

Aesthetics

Lead cames make it possible to achieve unique or multiple designs when compared to using glass panels/panes that are not separated by cames; this makes leadlight doors popular.

Minimal Damage 

Think of a situation where a hard object is thrown towards your leadlight door. It will break one piece of glass and leave the others intact, meaning you only need to repair that broken piece. Now think of a situation where you had one large glass panel/pane on your door. The hard object would shatter the entire glass panel; you need to replace it. Since it is large, it might cost you.

Leadlight Door Maintenance and Restoration

Leadlight doors may not require much maintenance; maintain them the same way you would your typical/standard door. However, if you notice wear and tear, contact a leadlight door specialist, especially if the cames are made of lead. Lead in fine particle form can be poisonous if inhaled; that is why DIY leadlight door restoration is not recommended. You might also damage the door further and incur more cost than you would have if you had contacted a specialist initially.

For more information on leadlight doors, reach out to a local window and door company.

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