Information

Panels of more than about 2 square feet, or a long shape (e.g. 3ft by 1ft) should be supported using tie bars. Tie bars are steel rods which are placed horizontally across the window aperture at approximately 18 inch intervals. The window panel is fixed to the tie bars with copper wires.

Inserting a panel

(This is applicable to small panels that do not need tie bars). Remove the old beading and the existing glass, then clean up the rebate. Old beading often breaks when you remove it, so you may need to replace it. Try your panel for size; if it is too big you can trim the outside lead; if it is too loose the panel should be wedged into a central position in the window aperture with small pieces of wood (matchsticks are often used). If you are fitting a panel into an outside door, put putty all along the inside of the rebate and press the panel into position. I have seen flexible water-proof silicon sealer used rather than putty, it is not traditional, but seems to work fine. Fix the panel into place with panel pins, then putty the edge of the lead and fix the beading down with panel pins. Inside windows do not need puttying. If the panel is being fixed into a door protected in a covered porch it is a matter of personal preference whether you putty/seal it or not.

Fitting Leaded Light Glass in Windows and Doors

Strengthening

First of all, a word about strengthening. Leaded windows are slightly flexible, due to the nature of lead which is quite soft. This is good as it helps prevent damage due to impact or movement, but also means that panels over a certain size need to be supported to prevent them sagging.