Window reinforcement
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Subject Author Date
Window reinforcement Michael 07-18-2007
Posted by Michael on July 18, 2007, 8:36 am
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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


Posted by javahut on July 18, 2007, 8:47 am
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> 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


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.



Posted by Michael on July 19, 2007, 8:02 am
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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


Posted by javahut on July 19, 2007, 8:21 am
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> 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

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.




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