Window reinforcement

I've seen rigid metal reinforcement bars stretching across big windows. I've never used them but I know they are necessary sometimes. Can you recommend a source of information for how the bars are attached to a window? Also, I've been looking at several stained glass web sites, but I haven't seen the bar listed for sale. Can you tell me who sells it online?

I've also heard that there are alternatives to using the bars. Southern Glass told me that they use lead came that has a steel reinforcement built into it. Did I hear that right?

Thank you, Michael

Reply to
Michael
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You heard them correctly, it comes from Europe, Germany I believe, but it does not take the place of reinforcement or proper design. Both items play into a window that will last. The steel innerbar lead HELPS to reduce the fluctuation of the panel under wind load, so you may not need a bar going straight thru a delicate design area. Reinforcement is still needed.

Going back to a previous post you made regarding thermal windows, and their construction; there are no re-bars inside a thermal window, what keeps that window in plane are the glass on either side that creates the thermal.

The re-bar is used to keep the window "in plane" and plumb, it does not hold the window "up", the design and construction does that. But lead has no memory, when the wind blows, pushes the panel in toward the building, it is the rebar, and the "memory" of the steel that brings it back into plane, allowing it to move each time there is a weather incident, be it storm or windy day.

General rule of thumb in the use of re-bar, every 18-24 inches vertical, installed horizontally. There are no hard and fast rules, if the panel calls for it, use it, BUT good design practices will eliminate the need for more.

Flat re-bar is sold at most retailers as re-bar, curiously enough.

Reply to
javahut

Thanks for posting, javahut. I searched for "bar" on Glasscrafters and found it. Zinc, if I recall correctly, in a 1/8" by 3/8" dimension. Near as I could tell from your description, this bar is designed to run horizontally. What kind of reinforcement would one use for vertical? For instance, if I made a 50" tall and 20" wide window, I imagine I would used two horizontal bars, but what would I run vertically? My guess is that there is some type of rigid border that should be used. I have never used a border other than copper tape or soft U-channel lead came. Neither of those seem strong enough. I would imagine that if the window was installed in an architectural frame of wood or metal, that would be sufficient, but I would think it dangerously fragile outside of that frame.

Thank you, Michael

Reply to
Michael

Copper foil is not designed to be a free standing perimeter, and I don't recommend anything else other than what you are using. Put the piece in a more durable frame. The material we use for assembly is not designed to be the end material for a framed piece.

In answer to your reinforcing question. a 20 ' width should need no reinforcing, the 2 horizontal pieces should be enough, of course I should ask, how much wind do you have? But in central IN you are similar to MI, so I would say, you have it planned well, no need for vertical rebar. as a qualifier to that statement, I have not seen the pattern either.

Reply to
javahut

And of course, all this "advice" comes from a moron who's never actually built a window.

Reply to
Moonraker

Why? Are you running out of things to plagarize for your "book"?

Reply to
Moonraker

how to make a living selling it:

Still waiting to hear of anyone you taught, that's actually making a primary income in SG in any one of the 50 states? Making a living today would be somewhere around $50k. If it were me, I'd be proud to list them, and they'd be happy of the attention & publicity. I've taught thousands, and I can't name one that's doing more than selling a few windows & trinkets here and there. Just give us a couple of business names, and we'll all be convinced and stop asking. Why not establish some credibility?

Reply to
glassman

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Reply to
Moonraker

shouldn't be a problem, as they will in no way be able to compete with the level of quality of PROPERLY educated glass artists.... m

Worried about having to compete with all those basement bandits?

Reply to
michele

Isn't alot of what you sell belief? You teach how to make a living in SG, don't they ask you for referrals? I would. Why are you so reluctant to share your success stories?

Reply to
glassman

Hand and Eye co-ordination, O' yeah, A contract to do it based on past projects and reputation.

Something you will never have cause your reputation is crap, and you are a despicable asswipe. The people paying you to learn should sue you for breach of contract.

Reply to
javahut

Yeah. What you said.

Plus have contractor's liability insurance and be bonded. And the reputation part has to be emphasised. I was called to do this project based on the strong reccomendation of several other people in the glass business. I wasn't second choice.

Reply to
Moonraker

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