Drafty Stained Glass Windows? Get Ready for Winter

Quick answer: Drafty stained glass windows usually come from dried-out cement, cracked putty, loose lead or gaps in the frame, and most of these can be repaired without replacing the glass. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, repairs stained glass for homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 before winter sets in.

Why Drafty Stained Glass Windows Happen

A leaded panel is made of many pieces of glass held in lead and sealed with cement. Over time, cement dries out, putty cracks and lead loosens. Colorado's temperature swings and wind add stress. Small gaps let cold air through.

Common Causes and Solutions

• Dried-out cement: can let air and water through the panel; re-cementing or re-leading may help
• Cracked or missing putty: the seal between panel and frame can be replaced
• Bowed or loose panels: may need reinforcement or re-leading
• Frame gaps and rot: the frame may need repair
• Single-pane glass: stained glass alone isn't strong insulation

Stained Glass Energy Efficiency and Protective Glazing

Some homeowners add an exterior protective glazing layer for stained glass insulation. It can help, but it should be installed properly and ventilated so moisture doesn't build up between the layers. Ask before adding it.

A Fall Checklist for Winterizing Stained Glass

1. Look for light or gaps around the panel and frame.
2. Feel for drafts on a windy day.
3. Check putty for cracks or missing sections.
4. Look for bowing or rattling glass.
5. Check frames for rot or gaps.
6. Call for anything structural before the cold arrives.

Doors and Sidelights Too

Leaded glass in doors and sidelights can loosen with years of opening and closing. A door conversion is another way to bring decorative glass to an entry.

What Not to Do

Don't fill gaps with household caulk, push on bowed panels, or use harsh cleaners. These can make a repair harder.

Steve's Approach

Steve will look at what's causing the draft and be honest about whether a repair will solve it. See work in the windows gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my stained glass window drafty?

Most drafts come from dried-out cement, cracked putty, loose lead or gaps in the frame.

Can drafty stained glass be fixed without replacing it?

Often, yes. Re-cementing, new putty, frame repair or re-leading can solve most drafts.

When should I check my stained glass for winter?

Early fall is a good time, so any repairs are done before cold weather arrives.

Get Ready for Winter

About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.

Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the stained glass gallery for ideas.

Stained Glass for Historic Homes in Denver

Quick answer: The best approach to stained glass for historic homes is to preserve and repair original glass first, then add new pieces designed to match the home's era. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's custom studio in Thornton, CO, repairs and designs period glass for older homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk about your home.

Denver's Historic Homes and Their Glass

Older Denver neighborhoods are full of Victorians, Denver Squares, Craftsman bungalows and Tudors. Many still have original glass in transoms, front doors and stair windows, and many others have empty frames where the glass was lost.

Preserve What You Have

Original glass is part of a home's character and can't be replaced exactly. Repair before replacing: cracked pieces and loose lead can often be fixed. Save every fragment, since old pieces help guide a repair or a new design. If your home is in a historic district, check its guidelines before making changes to historic home windows.

Add Stained Glass for Historic Homes That Fits

Steve is asked at least 10 times per year about bringing glass back into empty frames, and it's one of the most satisfying projects. A new piece can be designed for the original frame with period stained glass patterns and colors. Interior glass counts too: cabinet doors, built-ins and transoms between rooms. See examples in the transoms gallery and fireplace and cabinets gallery.

Matching Styles by Era

These are general patterns, and every house is different:

• Victorian and Queen Anne: rich color, jewels and ornate borders, the look many people mean by Victorian stained glass in Denver
• Denver Square and Foursquare: simpler geometric patterns and beveled glass
• Craftsman and Arts and Crafts: straight lines, earthy colors and nature motifs
• Tudor: diamond leaded patterns and clear textured glass
• Mid-Century: bold geometry and textured glass

How to Make New Glass Look Right

Glass selection matters most: texture and color help new pieces sit comfortably beside old ones. Lead line patterns should follow the era. Steve combines copper foil with leaded glass, designs with you and builds every piece custom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I repair or replace stained glass in my historic home?

Repair original glass when you can, since it can't be replaced exactly and adds to the home's character.

Can new stained glass match my home's era?

Yes. Glass selection, colors and lead patterns can be chosen to suit the period of the house.

Can you build a new piece for an empty historic frame?

Yes. Steve can design a new panel for the original frame.

Talk About Your Historic Home

About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.

Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the windows gallery for ideas.

Transparency and Heart: Running a Stained Glass Company in Denver

Quick answer: I'm Steve Downing, and I run The Glass Master, a small Denver stained glass company based in Thornton, CO, serving the Denver metro since I founded it in 1989. I run it on simple principles: tell people the truth, design every piece with the client, use good glass and treat every project like it matters. You can reach me directly at (303) 457-1886.

Where My Way of Working Comes From

Before I cut glass professionally, I was Executive Chef at one of Denver's largest catering companies. That job taught me that people remember how you made them feel as much as what you served. You learn to plan, to be honest about what's possible, and to never cut corners when no one is looking.

When I saw original Tiffany works in Washington, D.C., something clicked. I brought my kitchen habits into the studio, and they've shaped The Glass Master ever since.

Transparency First

If your old window would be better replaced than repaired, I'll tell you. If your door isn't a good candidate for a conversion, I'll tell you that too. I'd rather lose a job than sell someone something that isn't right for their home. Every project is custom, so I explain the design, glass, technique and installation that affect your piece, and if something changes, you'll hear it from me.

The Client Is Part of the Design

I believe the client is an integral part of the design process. You know your home and what the piece means to you. I know glass. That's why I start with a conversation, not a catalog: we talk, I sketch, you react, and we adjust until it's right.

Quality You Can See

Two of the most common complaints people tell me about stained glass they've bought elsewhere are poor craftsmanship and poor glass. I select glass carefully for color, texture and how it moves with light. My signature approach combines copper foil and leaded glass: copper foil captures fine details that look almost painted, and lead gives strength.

Choosing a Stained Glass Company in Denver

Even if you don't hire me, here's what I'd look for in a local stained glass business:

1. Do they show real work they've made?
2. Will they design with you, or sell from a catalog?
3. Do they explain their glass and technique?
4. Are they honest about repair versus replacement?
5. Do you talk to the person doing the work?

At my studio just north of Denver, you work directly with me from the first call to the final installation. Many clients come back for another piece, and that means more to me than anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will I work with at The Glass Master?

You'll work directly with me, Steve Downing, from design through installation.

Are your designs custom?

Yes. Every piece is designed with the client for a specific home.

How do I find a stained glass company near me?

Look for a local studio that shows its own work, designs with you and answers your questions honestly.

Let's Talk

About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.

If you want a stained glass company that will be straight with you, call me at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. You can read more about me or browse the gallery.

Stained Glass Windows for Homes in Denver: What I've Learned

Quick answer: After designing stained glass windows for homes in Denver since 1989, my biggest lessons are simple: go a little bigger than you think, plan privacy around real sightlines, never skimp on glass quality and design the piece together. I'm Steve Downing, owner of The Glass Master in Thornton, CO, and every window I build is custom-made for one home in the Denver metro. Call me at (303) 457-1886.

Lessons From Putting Stained Glass Windows in Denver Homes

Most of my best lessons came from listening to clients, before and after a piece was installed. Here are the ones I share most often about residential stained glass in Denver.

Lesson 1: Go a Little Bigger

The regret I hear most is, "I wish I'd made it bigger." Glass almost always looks smaller once it's in the wall, surrounded by trim and furniture. When we plan, I often suggest considering a size around 20 percent larger than your first instinct. It doesn't always make sense, but it's worth thinking about.

Lesson 2: Plan Privacy Around Real Sightlines

Homes in newer neighborhoods in Thornton, Brighton and Broomfield are often close together. Rather than making a whole window opaque, I plan around where people actually look in: clear spots where you want a view, textured or colored glass where you need privacy.

Lesson 3: Glass Quality Matters

When someone describes a disappointing stained glass experience, it usually comes down to poor craftsmanship or poor glass. Cheap glass looks flat and never glows. I select and blend glass carefully, because it's the one thing you can't fix later.

Lesson 4: The Details Make It Yours

A favorite flower in a corner, a color pulled from a rug, an initial in a border. Those small home stained glass ideas are often what clients talk about most.

Lesson 5: Light Changes Everything

Colorado sun moves across your home all day. A west window glows in the evening, and a north window gives soft, even light. I factor direction and season into every color choice.

Lesson 6: Design It Together

This goes back to my years as an executive chef at one of Denver's largest catering companies: the best events came from understanding what the host wanted. I believe the client is an integral part of the design, and my proudest windows came from real back-and-forth.

Where Stained Glass for Houses Works Best

Entryways, bathrooms, stairwells, living rooms with arched windows and kitchens are where I see these lessons most. Old frames where stained glass used to be also deserve a second chance; see the windows gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rooms are best for stained glass windows?

Entries, bathrooms, stairwells and living rooms are popular, but any window where you want privacy, color or a focal point can work.

Can stained glass work in a newer Denver home?

Absolutely. Designs with clean lines and clear textures look great in new builds.

Do you design every window from scratch?

Yes. Every piece is custom and designed with the homeowner.

Let's Plan Your Window

About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.

Call me at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Read more about me or browse the home gallery.

Protective Glass for Stained Glass Windows: Is It Worth It?

Quick answer: Protective glass for stained glass windows is an exterior layer of clear glass or glazing installed outside the stained glass to shield it from hail, weather and impact. It can be worth it on exposed windows, but it needs proper ventilation so heat and moisture don't get trapped. Steve Downing of The Glass Master in Thornton, CO, can talk through whether it makes sense for your window anywhere in the Denver metro; call (303) 457-1886.

What Is Protective Glass for Stained Glass Windows?

Protective glazing, sometimes called stained glass storm glazing, is a separate pane of exterior glass over a stained glass window. The stained glass stays inside, and the outer layer takes the weather.

The Pros

• Hail and impact protection: the outer layer takes hits that might otherwise crack the art glass.
• Weather protection: less direct exposure to rain, snow and sun.
• Fewer drafts around older windows.
• Added security for ground-floor windows.

The Cons and Cautions

Trapped Heat and Moisture

Without ventilation, the space between the layers can trap heat and condensation, which can stress the lead and frame over time.

Changes to the Outside Look

Exterior glass over stained glass can reflect light and change how the window looks from the street.

It Doesn't Fix Existing Problems

If the stained glass is bowing or has loose pieces, those should be repaired before it's covered.

Why Ventilation Matters

A small gap with venting lets air move between the layers so heat and moisture can escape. How that's done depends on the window and frame, so it's worth discussing for your specific opening.

When Protective Glass Makes the Most Sense

Windows on exposed sides of the house, ground-floor windows and older pieces worth preserving are the most common candidates. For door glass, triple-glazed inserts already sandwich decorative glass between protective layers; see the door conversion page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does protective glass hurt stained glass?

Not when it's installed with proper ventilation. Poorly vented glazing can trap heat and moisture.

Will protective glass stop hail damage?

It adds an outer layer that takes the impact, which reduces the risk to the stained glass behind it, though no glass is hail-proof.

Should I repair my stained glass before adding protective glass?

Yes. Any bowing, loose pieces or cracks should be addressed first so they aren't sealed in.

Protect Your Stained Glass

About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.

Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the windows gallery to see finished work.

Hail Damage Stained Glass Repair: What to Do After a Storm

Quick answer: Hail damage stained glass repair starts with saving every broken piece, photographing the damage and covering any openings from the outside, then having a stained glass studio replace the broken pieces or rebuild the panel. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, repairs storm damaged stained glass for homeowners across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 after the storm.

Hail Season on the Front Range

Hail is a fact of life along the Front Range, and hail damaged windows in Colorado are common after a big storm. Stained glass can survive more than you'd expect, but a direct hit can crack pieces or knock them out.

What to Do Right After the Storm

1. Stay safe. Wear gloves and watch for sharp edges.
2. Save every broken piece. Fragments help with color and texture matching.
3. Take photos of the whole window and close-ups of the damage.
4. Cover missing glass from the outside to keep weather out without stressing the panel.
5. Don't glue or tape it. Adhesives make proper repair harder.
6. Check everything else, including other windows, door glass and sidelights.

How Hail Damage Stained Glass Repair Works

Single Cracked or Broken Pieces

When only a few pieces are damaged, they can often be removed and replaced with matching glass.

Widespread Damage

Broken stained glass after hail that runs across much of a panel, or that has bent the lead, may need to come apart and be releaded.

When the Glass Can't Be Saved

If a panel is beyond repair, Steve can design a new piece for the existing frame.

Matching Glass After Hail

Some colors are easy to match, while older or unusual glass takes searching. The saved fragments make a big difference.

Protecting Stained Glass From Future Hail

Exterior protective glazing over a stained glass window is one option many homeowners consider, especially on exposed sides of the house. Ask about ventilation and how it would be installed for your window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hail-damaged stained glass be repaired?

Often, yes. Broken pieces can usually be replaced, and badly damaged panels can be releaded or rebuilt.

Should I remove the damaged panel myself?

It's best not to, since removing a panel can cause more damage. Cover it from the outside and call a studio.

Do I need to keep the broken glass?

Yes. Saved pieces help match color and texture during the repair.

Get Help After the Storm

About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.

Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send photos through our contact page. Browse the windows gallery to see finished work.

Custom Stained Glass Windows in Denver: Planning Your Design

Quick answer: Custom stained glass windows in Denver are designed and built for one specific opening and one homeowner, from the pattern and colors to how the glass handles light and privacy. At The Glass Master in Thornton, CO, owner Steve Downing designs every window together with the client and builds it in his studio for homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to start planning.

How the Custom Stained Glass Design Process Works

It Starts With You

Every project begins with a conversation about the room, the light, the view and what you love. Photos, sketches or a favorite color are all good starting points, but you don't need a finished idea.

Thinking About the Light

Steve considers which way the window faces, how much privacy you need and how the colors will look at different times of day.

Choosing the Glass

Clear, textured, beveled and colored glass each behave differently. Choosing glass is a big part of the design.

Building the Piece

Steve combines copper foil with leaded glass, so fine details can look almost painted while the lead adds strength. Every piece is made-to-order stained glass, built for your opening.

Stained Glass Window Design Ideas That Fit Denver Homes

• Colorado landscapes: mountains, aspens, wildflowers and big skies
• Traditional and Victorian: florals, borders and jewel accents for older homes
• Modern and clean: geometric lines and clear textured glass
• Personal and heirloom: family crests, initials or a meaningful symbol

Where Custom Stained Glass Windows Make the Biggest Impact in Denver Homes

Entry sidelights and transoms, bathroom windows, stairwell landings and windows that face a neighbor are the spots where custom glass changes a room the most.

Tips Before You Start

• Measure the opening and photograph it with the surrounding wall.
• Note which direction it faces and how private it needs to be.
• Collect a few images of styles you like.
• Consider going a little bigger; people rarely regret it.
• Share your budget early so the design fits it.

Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Panels

Ready-made panels come in standard sizes and generic designs. Custom stained glass design means the piece fits the opening exactly and reflects your home and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a design in mind already?

No. Many clients start with only a feeling or a color, and the design takes shape through conversation with Steve.

Can you make a stained glass window for an existing opening?

Yes. Custom windows are built to the measurements of your existing opening.

Can stained glass windows be modern?

Absolutely. Geometric designs and clear textured glass suit contemporary homes well.

Start Your Custom Window

About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.

Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the windows gallery and read about Steve.

Leaded Glass Windows in Denver: A Homeowner's Guide

Quick answer: Leaded glass windows in Denver homes are panels of glass, often clear, textured or beveled, held together with strips of lead came to create patterns that add privacy and sparkle. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's custom studio in Thornton, CO, designs and builds custom leaded glass for homeowners across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to plan yours.

What Are Leaded Glass Windows?

A leaded window is made of many pieces of glass joined with H-shaped lead came and soldered at the joints. The lead lines become part of the design, forming diamonds, grids, curves or detailed patterns.

Leaded Glass vs. Stained Glass

People use the terms interchangeably, but there's a difference. "Leaded glass" describes how the window is built. "Stained glass" usually means colored glass. A clear beveled window is leaded glass with no color at all, while a colorful floral may be both. Many of Steve's pieces combine leaded construction with copper foil detail for a painted look.

Why Homeowners Choose Leaded Glass Windows in Denver

• Privacy with light: textured and beveled pieces blur the view while keeping rooms bright.
• Sparkle: leaded beveled glass throws prisms of light in Colorado sun.
• Timeless character: leaded patterns suit older homes and look sharp in newer ones.

Room-by-Room Ideas

Entryways

Leaded sidelights, transoms and door inserts are the classic use, framing the front door with light.

Living Rooms and Offices

A leaded transom over a picture window or a leaded pane in an office adds character without blocking light.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

Textured leaded glass gives a bathroom privacy without blinds, and a leaded cabinet door or window above the sink adds charm to a kitchen.

Common Patterns

Diamond and grid patterns, beveled centers with a decorative motif, and clear designs with a few colored jewels are all popular. Because every piece is custom, the pattern can be built around your home's style.

Caring for Leaded Glass

Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads. Watch for bowing, loose pieces or cracked solder joints, and have them checked early before they spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are leaded glass windows only for old houses?

No. Clean geometric patterns and clear textured glass look right at home in new construction and modern designs.

Can you match an existing leaded window?

Often, yes. Steve can design a new piece that matches or complements existing leaded glass in your home.

Can leaded glass be combined with color?

Yes. Many designs mix clear and beveled glass with colored accents or a full stained glass motif.

Plan Your Leaded Glass Window

About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.

Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the windows gallery and home gallery for ideas.

Stained Glass Repair Cost: What Affects the Price

Quick answer: Stained glass repair cost depends on how much of the piece is damaged, its size and detail, how hard the glass is to match, and whether it needs a spot repair or full releading. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, repairs stained glass for homeowners across the Denver metro and explains what your piece needs before any work starts. Call (303) 457-1886 with a few photos to get the conversation going.

Why Stained Glass Repair Cost Varies So Much

"How much to fix my stained glass?" is a fair question, but the cost to repair stained glass ranges widely. A single cracked piece in a small panel and a sagging, century-old window with loose lead are completely different jobs. Here are the factors that move the number.

1. How Much Is Damaged

One cracked piece is a contained job. Several broken pieces, bulging sections or crumbling solder joints mean more of the panel has to come apart.

2. Size and Detail

Larger panels and intricate designs with many small pieces take longer to open up, repair and put back together.

3. Matching the Glass

Some glass is easy to match. Older, hand-rolled or unusual colored glass can take real searching to find something that blends in.

4. In Place or in the Studio

Some small repairs can be handled on site, but most serious work happens on the bench, which means removing the panel and reinstalling it.

5. Spot Repair vs. Releading

When the lead itself has worn out, patching one piece won't last. Releading cost factors include the panel's size and piece count, since every piece is taken apart, cleaned and reassembled with new lead.

6. Doors vs. Windows

Door glass takes a beating from opening and closing, so door panels often need extra reinforcement during repair.

Repair, Restore or Replace?

• Repair fixes specific damage, like a cracked piece or a broken joint.
• Restore brings an entire older panel back, often with releading and cleaning. Stained glass restoration cost is usually higher than a spot repair because the whole piece is involved.
• Replace makes sense when a panel is beyond saving or missing, and Steve can design a new piece for the existing frame.

How to Get an Honest Estimate

Send clear photos of the whole piece and close-ups of the damage, rough measurements, and a note about where it's installed. Steve has repaired and built stained glass since founding The Glass Master in 1989, and he'll tell you plainly what he sees, including when a simpler fix makes more sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I get a firm repair price over the phone?

The real scope often isn't clear until Steve sees the condition of the glass, lead and frame. Good photos help narrow it down quickly.

Does releading cost more than a simple repair?

Usually, yes, because releading means taking the entire panel apart and rebuilding it rather than fixing one spot.

Should I get stained glass repaired right away?

It's wise to address damage early, since a small crack or loose section can spread with Colorado temperature swings and everyday use.

Find Out What Your Repair Involves

About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.

Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send photos through our contact page. Browse the windows gallery or read about Steve.

Sidelight Glass Replacement in Denver: Light and Privacy

Quick answer: Sidelight glass replacement in Denver means swapping the plain, cracked or dated glass beside your front door for custom stained, beveled or textured glass that lets light in while adding privacy. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's custom studio in Thornton, CO, designs decorative sidelight glass for homes across the Denver metro and can match it to your door glass. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk through your entry.

Why Homeowners Consider Sidelight Glass Replacement in Denver

Sidelights are the narrow windows beside a front door. Many Denver-area homes came with basic clear or lightly textured glass that feels like an afterthought and leaves you living in a fishbowl. Privacy is the biggest complaint we hear about front door sidelights.

Heavy window film is the usual quick fix, but thick film can block much of the light and view the sidelight was meant to provide, and you can't easily tell who's at the door.

How Stained Glass Sidelights Solve Both Problems

Clear Spots Where You Want Them

A design can keep clear areas at eye level so you can still see out, surrounded by textured or colored glass that softens the view in.

Mixed Opacities

Because every piece is custom, Steve can design areas in different opacities. You can make out a shape at the door, which is good for security, without passersby seeing into your living room.

Natural Light Stays

Art glass is designed to let light through. With the right colors and textures, your entry can feel brighter and warmer than before.

Decorative Sidelight Glass Styles

• Clear beveled glass for a crisp, classic sparkle
• Textured clear glass for privacy with a clean, modern feel
• Accent color such as a simple border or corner jewels
• Full stained glass designs with florals, geometrics or something personal

For detailed designs, Steve combines copper foil with traditional leaded glass, so a floral sidelight can look almost painted while the lead adds strength. See examples in the sidelights gallery.

Matching Your Sidelights to the Door

Sidelights look best when they work with the door. Many favorite projects pair a door insert with matching sidelights so the entry reads as one design. If your door has no glass yet, a door conversion can add a decorative insert to the door you already have. If you'd rather leave a solid door alone, the sidelights can carry the look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you replace just the glass in my sidelights?

In many cases, yes, depending on how the sidelights are built and how the glass is held in. Photos and measurements help Steve plan the best approach.

Will stained glass sidelights make my entry darker?

Not if they're designed for light. Clear, textured and lighter colored glass let plenty of light through, and you choose how much color and privacy you want.

Is stained glass a good alternative to privacy film?

For many homeowners, yes. Stained or textured glass can give privacy while keeping more light and a much nicer look than heavy film.

Brighten Your Entry

About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.

Ready to rethink your sidelights? Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, any day from 7am to 5pm, or contact us online. Browse the sidelights gallery and see how a door conversion can complete the look.

Leaded Glass Window Repair: Bowing, Loose Lead and Cracks

Quick answer: Leaded glass window repair usually addresses one of three problems: bowing panels, loose or failing lead, and cracked or broken glass. Small problems can often be fixed in place or with a single piece replaced, while widespread lead failure may call for reinforcing or re-leading the panel. A stained glass craftsman should look at the window before you decide, because the right fix depends on how much of the panel is affected.

How a Leaded Glass Window Holds Together

A leaded window is made of many individual pieces of glass held in strips of lead came, which is shaped like an "H" in cross section. The joints where the came meets are soldered, and a cement or putty is worked under the lead to seal the glass and stiffen the panel.

It's a smart system that has worked for centuries, but lead is soft. Over time, gravity, wind, temperature swings and the weight of the glass itself all push on the panel. Here in Colorado, where days can be warm and nights cold, that movement never fully stops.

The Three Most Common Problems

Bowing

If you look across a leaded window from the side and see it curving in or out, it's bowing. Bowing happens when the panel can no longer support its own weight, and it usually gets worse slowly. A badly bowed panel puts stress on the glass and can eventually crack it.

Loose or Failing Lead

Loose lead shows up as rattling glass, gaps along the edges of pieces, or lead lines that look cracked, powdery or pulled away. Solder joints can also break, leaving sections that flex when you press gently.

Cracked or Broken Glass

A single crack is the easiest problem to spot. It might come from a hailstone, a slammed door, a stray ball or simple stress from bowing. One crack doesn't always mean the whole window is in trouble, but it's a good reason to have the panel checked.

Reinforce, Repair or Relead?

This is the big decision, and it depends on how widespread the damage is.

When a Spot Repair Makes Sense

If the panel is mostly flat and sound and the problem is a cracked piece or a broken joint, a targeted repair is often enough. A damaged piece can sometimes be replaced by carefully opening the surrounding lead, setting a new piece and resoldering.

When Reinforcing Helps

Larger panels sometimes need extra support so they don't bow again. Reinforcement adds strength to the panel and is often part of a repair rather than a separate project.

When Re-Leading Is the Better Answer

When the lead itself is worn out across the window, patching one spot just moves the problem somewhere else. Re-leading means taking the panel apart, cleaning each piece of glass and rebuilding it with new came. It's the most involved option, and it's how old windows get a fresh start.

What Not to Do

• Don't push a bowed panel back flat. The glass can crack.
• Don't use caulk or glue on loose pieces. It makes a proper repair harder later.
• Don't scrub the lead with harsh cleaners. Gentle is always better.
• Don't wait too long. Small leaded glass problems grow over time.

How Steve Approaches Leaded Glass

Steve Downing has been working with leaded glass since he founded The Glass Master in 1989. His signature work combines traditional lead came with copper foil, so he knows both methods inside and out, which helps when a repair involves an older panel built one way or the other. He'll tell you plainly what he sees, what can be saved and what the options are, so you can make the call that's right for your home.

Serving the Denver Metro

From the studio in Thornton, we're close to homeowners in Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Brighton, Arvada and across Denver. Older homes in Denver's established neighborhoods often have original leaded glass, but newer homes have leaded windows and doors that need attention too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bowed leaded glass window be fixed?

Often, yes. Depending on how severe the bowing is, the panel may be repaired and reinforced or, if the lead is worn out, rebuilt with new came.

How do I know if my window needs re-leading?

If problems show up all over the panel, like multiple loose pieces, widespread cracking in the lead or bowing across a large area, re-leading may be the better long-term fix.

Can one cracked piece in a leaded window be replaced?

In many cases. A single piece can often be replaced without rebuilding the whole window, as long as the surrounding lead is in decent shape.

Is leaded glass repair different from stained glass repair?

They overlap a lot. "Leaded glass" usually describes how a window is built, and many stained glass windows are leaded. The same craftsman can handle both.

Get Your Leaded Glass Checked

If your leaded windows are bowing, rattling or cracked, call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or contact us online. Browse the windows gallery to see the range of work, and learn more about Steve.

Stained Glass Restoration in Denver: Saving Historic Windows

Quick answer: Stained glass restoration means bringing an existing window, door or panel back to good, sound condition while keeping as much of the original glass and design as possible. It makes the most sense for original, historic or sentimental pieces. For stained glass restoration, Denver homeowners can call The Glass Master in Thornton, which restores stained glass as well as creating new custom work, so you can talk through both options with one craftsman.

Repair vs. Restoration: What's the Difference?

People use the two words interchangeably, and that's fine. Generally speaking, though:

• Repair fixes a specific problem, like a cracked piece or a loose section.
• Restoration looks at the whole piece and brings it back to sound condition, keeping the original character intact.

Older glass in Denver homes has often been through a lot: decades of sun, temperature swings, settling houses and doors that have been slammed thousands of times. Restoration is about giving that glass another long life.

Signs a Window Needs Restoration, Not Just a Quick Fix

The glass itself is surprisingly durable. What usually gives out first is the lead came, the soft metal channel that holds each piece in place. Over many decades, lead can oxidize, stretch and lose its grip. Watch for:

• A panel that bows or sags across a large area, not just in one spot
• Lead lines that look crumbly, cracked or powdery
• Several loose or rattling pieces instead of just one
• Putty or cement falling out from between the glass and the lead

When the problems are spread throughout a panel, patching one area rarely holds. That's when a fuller restoration, which can include re-leading the panel with new came, is worth discussing.

Why Restore Instead of Replace?

Original Glass Can't Be Duplicated Exactly

Old glass has character: subtle waves, bubbles and color variations that are hard to match. If you live in an older home in Denver, Arvada or one of the established neighborhoods across the metro, that original glass is part of what makes your house special.

Sentimental Value

Sometimes the window isn't historic at all, it's just yours. Maybe it was in your grandparents' house, or it's the piece you've looked at every morning for twenty years. Stained glass has a way of becoming part of the family.

It Keeps the Look of the House Consistent

If one window in a set is damaged, restoring it keeps it matched with the others instead of having one that looks out of place.

What Restoration Can Involve

Every project is different, and nobody can give you a real plan without seeing the glass. In general, stained glass restoration may include some combination of:

• Carefully cleaning the glass and lead
• Replacing cracked or missing pieces with the closest available match
• Addressing bowing or sagging sections
• Re-securing the panel in its frame
• Evaluating whether the frame itself needs attention

The goal is always to keep what's good and fix what isn't. Steve will tell you honestly what he sees and what he'd recommend. He fell in love with this craft after seeing original Tiffany windows in Washington, D.C., and that respect for old glass shapes how he approaches every restoration.

When Restoration Might Not Be the Best Fit

Restoration isn't always the right call. If most of the glass is broken, if the design was a later add-on you never liked, or if the opening has been sitting empty with plywood in it for years, a new custom piece may serve you better.

That's actually one of the most common questions we get: "Is there any way to put something beautiful back into this old frame?" Usually there is. Steve enjoys these projects because they're part problem-solving, part art. You can see the range of work in our windows gallery.

How to Protect Old Stained Glass Until It's Restored

• Avoid harsh cleaners, especially anything with ammonia or abrasives.
• Don't press on bowing sections.
• If a piece is loose or broken, keep the fragments. They can help with color matching.
• Limit slamming on doors with glass until they've been looked at.

Restoration Across the Denver Metro

From our Thornton studio we work with homeowners in Denver, Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Brighton, Arvada and beyond. Older homes near downtown Denver tend to have the most original glass, but we see heirloom and original pieces all over the Front Range.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my stained glass is worth restoring?

If the glass is original to the house, has family meaning, or is a design you love, it's usually worth at least getting an opinion. A craftsman can tell you how much of the original can be saved.

Can you match old colored glass?

Steve works with a wide selection of art glass and will look for the closest match available. Very old or unusual glass can be hard to match exactly, which is one more reason to save any broken fragments.

Can you restore stained glass in doors and cabinets too?

Yes. Restoration isn't limited to windows. Doors, sidelights, transoms and cabinet glass can all be evaluated.

Should I remove old stained glass from the window myself?

We don't recommend it. Old panels can be fragile, and removing them without the right approach can cause more damage than the original problem.

Talk to Steve About Your Old Stained Glass

If you have stained glass that has seen better days, give Steve a call at (303) 457-1886 between 7am and 5pm, any day of the week, or reach out through our contact page. Want to see what's possible? Browse the stained glass gallery or learn more about Steve Downing.

From Executive Chef to Stained Glass Artist: My Story

Quick answer: I'm Steve Downing, the stained glass artist behind The Glass Master, a custom studio just north of Denver in Thornton. Before glass, I worked as Executive Chef at one of Denver's largest catering companies. Seeing original Tiffany windows in Washington, D.C. changed my direction, and I founded The Glass Master in 1989. Every piece I make is custom and designed together with the homeowner.

Why I'm Writing This

People who call the studio usually want to know two things: can I build what they're picturing, and who exactly will be doing the work. The answer to the second question is me. So as we start a new year on the blog, I figured it was time to tell you a little about how a chef ended up spending his days cutting glass.

A Career That Started in the Kitchen

Long before I ever held a glass cutter, I was running kitchens. I was Executive Chef at one of the largest catering companies in Denver. That job taught me things I still use every day.

Planning Everything Before You Start

Catering is all about preparation. You don't wait until the guests arrive to figure out the menu. Stained glass works the same way. By the time I cut the first piece, the design, the glass and the layout are all settled.

Presentation Matters

In a kitchen, people eat with their eyes first. In a home, a stained glass window is often the first thing a guest notices. Color, balance and detail aren't extras. They're the whole point.

The Client Is Part of the Process

A good chef listens. The best events I worked on came from really understanding what the host wanted. That's exactly how I approach design now. I don't hand you a catalog page. We build the idea together.

The Windows That Changed Everything

The turning point came in Washington, D.C., where I saw original works by Tiffany in person. I'd seen pictures of stained glass before, but standing in front of the real thing is different. The way the light moved through the glass, the depth of the color, the detail that looked almost painted: it stuck with me.

I came home wanting to learn how that kind of work was made, and I never really stopped. In 1989 I founded The Glass Master, and I've been building custom stained glass for Colorado homes ever since.

What I Do Today as a Stained Glass Artist in Denver

My Signature Technique

Most stained glass is built one of two ways: with lead came or with copper foil. I combine both. The copper foil lets me work with smaller pieces and finer lines, and the leaded glass gives the window strength and structure. Put together, a finished window can look like it was painted with light.

Every Piece Is Custom

I don't sell one-size-fits-all designs. Full glass door conversions, pantry and cabinet inserts, windows, transoms, sidelights, fireplace screens, wine room doors: each one is designed for one opening in one home.

You're Part of the Design

I believe one of the most important parts of any piece is the client taking part in the design. You know your home, your style and how you live in the space. I know glass, light and how to make a design hold together for the long haul. When we put those together, you end up with something that feels like it belongs.

A Studio Just North of Denver

The studio sits in Thornton, which makes it easy to work with homeowners in Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Brighton, Arvada and all over Denver. I've also built pieces for clients outside Colorado. A lot of my work comes from repeat clients who come back for another piece, and that means more to me than anything I could say about myself.

What I Care About Most

If you ask me what matters most in this business, it's simple: quality work, being transparent about the process, and treating people well. I'd rather spend an extra few minutes explaining your options than have you guess. Stained glass is personal. It should feel that way from the first phone call to the day it's installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designs and builds the stained glass at The Glass Master?

I do. I'm Steve Downing, and I work with each client on the design and build the piece in my studio in Thornton.

When was The Glass Master founded?

I founded The Glass Master in 1989, after a career as an executive chef in Denver.

What kind of stained glass projects do you take on?

All custom work: door conversions, window and door glass, sidelights, transoms, cabinet and pantry inserts, fireplace screens and special projects.

Do I need a finished design before I call?

No. Many clients start with a photo, a color, or just a feeling they want in a room. We shape the design together.

Let's Talk About Your Project

If you're looking for a stained glass artist in Denver or the north metro, I'd love to hear what you have in mind. Call me at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message through the contact page. You can also read more about me or browse the stained glass gallery.

Stained Glass Repair in Denver: Signs Your Glass Needs Help

Quick answer: If your stained glass has a cracked or missing piece, a panel that bulges or sags, glass that rattles when the door closes, or daylight showing through gaps in the lead, it's time to call a pro. For stained glass repair, Denver homeowners can turn to The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, just north of the city. Catching problems early usually means saving more of the original glass.

Why the New Year Is a Good Time to Check Your Stained Glass

The holidays are wrapping up, the decorations are coming down, and the low winter sun is hitting your windows at an angle that shows every flaw. That makes the first weeks of the year a great time to walk around the house and really look at your stained glass.

Colorado is hard on glass. We get big temperature swings between day and night, dry air, wind, and the occasional hailstorm. Over the years, all of that can loosen panels and stress the lead and solder that hold a piece together. A quick check now can keep a small repair from turning into a big one.

Signs Your Stained Glass Needs Repair

Cracked, Broken or Missing Pieces

This is the one everybody notices first. A single cracked piece might seem like no big deal, but cracks can spread, and a broken piece weakens the panel around it. If a piece is missing entirely, wind and moisture now have a way in.

Bowing or Bulging Panels

Stand to the side of the window and look across the glass. If the panel curves in or out instead of sitting flat, the structure is tired. Bowing is common in older leaded windows and doors and tends to get worse with time.

Rattling Glass or Loose Lead

If you hear a buzz or rattle when you shut the door or when the wind picks up, the glass is moving inside the lead channels. That movement wears on the panel every single day.

Gaps, Light Leaks and Drafts

Hold your hand near the edges on a cold morning. Drafts or visible daylight around the frame or between pieces mean the panel isn't sealed the way it should be.

Cloudy, Dirty or Darkened Lead Lines

Not every problem is structural. Sometimes years of grime simply dull the colors. A good cleaning can bring a piece back to life, but it should be done carefully so you don't stress already weak joints.

Repair or Full Restoration?

Most problems fall into one of two camps. A repair fixes something specific: a cracked piece, a loose section of lead came (the H-shaped channel that holds each piece of glass), or a failing solder joint. A restoration goes further and addresses a panel that's tired all over, which can mean taking it apart, cleaning the glass and rebuilding it with new lead. The right answer depends on how widespread the damage is, and that's something you only learn by looking closely.

What a Repair Visit Looks Like

Every piece of stained glass is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all fix. The first step is always to look at the glass and figure out what's actually going on: Is it one broken piece, or is the whole panel giving out? Is the frame sound? Is the glass worth saving as-is, or would you be happier with a new design in the same opening?

From there, Steve will talk you through your options in plain language. He's been building and fixing stained glass since he founded The Glass Master in 1989, and his clients count on him to be straightforward about whether a piece is worth repairing. Some panels just need a damaged piece replaced. Others need more involved restoration work. And sometimes the best answer is a brand-new custom piece built to fit the existing frame, something we've done many times for Denver homeowners whose original glass was past saving.

Tips Before You Call

• Take photos. Get a straight-on shot of the whole piece and close-ups of any damage. It helps start the conversation.
• Measure the opening. Rough height and width are fine for a first call.
• Don't tape or glue it. Household tape and glue can leave residue that makes a proper repair harder.
• Note the location. Is it a front door, a sidelight, a transom, a cabinet? Where the glass lives affects how it's repaired.

Serving Homeowners Across the North Metro

Our studio is in Thornton, which puts us close to homeowners in Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Brighton, Arvada and throughout Denver. Whether your glass is in a historic home near downtown or a newer build out by Brighton, the process starts the same way: a conversation about what you have and what you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a single cracked piece of stained glass be replaced?

Often, yes. In many cases one damaged piece can be removed and replaced without rebuilding the whole panel. Whether that's the right move depends on the condition of the surrounding lead and glass, which is why it helps to have the piece looked at.

Is it worth repairing old stained glass, or should I replace it?

It depends on the glass, the condition and what it means to you. Family or original glass is often worth saving. If the piece is badly damaged or you never liked the design, a new custom piece made for the same opening can be a great option.

Do you repair stained glass in doors as well as windows?

Yes. Doors, sidelights, transoms, cabinets and windows all come through our studio. Doors take more of a beating than windows, so they often need attention sooner.

How do I know if my stained glass is bowing?

Look across the surface from the side. If the panel isn't flat, or if it moves when you press gently near the center, it's likely bowing and should be looked at.

Get Your Stained Glass Looked At

If something in your stained glass doesn't look or sound right, don't wait for it to get worse. Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, any day from 7am to 5pm, or send us a message through our contact page. You can also browse our stained glass gallery for ideas and meet Steve Downing, the artist behind The Glass Master.

The Beauty of Stained Glass in Denver

Stained glass brings beauty to Denver, transforming light into colorful displays of art. Colorado stained glass, with its diverse styles, creates art glass that enhances homes and businesses.

The Glass Master in Denver crafts custom stained glass with over 30 years of experience. Contact us to design an art glass piece that brings beauty and elegance to your Colorado space.

Denver’s Stained Glass: A Local Art Form

Stained glass is a local art form in Denver, crafted by artisans who value quality and tradition. Colorado stained glass, from custom windows to door inserts, adds beauty to any home.

The Glass Master, serving Denver since 1989, creates custom stained glass with unmatched skill. Let us design an art glass piece that reflects Colorado’s local artistry in your space.

Stained Glass: Denver’s Heritage Art

Stained glass is a heritage art in Denver, adorning historic buildings and modern homes alike. Colorado stained glass, with its intricate designs, preserves this legacy through vibrant art glass.

The Glass Master in Denver creates and restores stained glass with over 30 years of expertise. Contact us to craft an art glass piece that honors Colorado’s heritage in your space

The Craftsmanship of Denver Stained Glass

Denver’s stained glass craftsmanship is renowned, blending skill and creativity in every piece. Colorado stained glass artisans create art glass that reflects the city’s artistic heritage.

The Glass Master, a Denver leader since 1989, delivers exceptional stained glass craftsmanship. Let us craft a custom art glass piece that showcases Colorado’s finest quality in your home.

Stained Glass: Denver’s Window to Art

Stained glass in Denver turns windows into works of art, from traditional to modern designs. Colorado stained glass, with its vibrant colors, creates art glass that enhances any space.

The Glass Master in Denver has crafted stunning stained glass for over 30 years. Contact us to design an art glass piece that transforms your Colorado home with artistic brilliance.

The Role of Stained Glass in Denver Homes

Stained glass plays a vital role in Denver homes, adding privacy, beauty, and value. Colorado stained glass, with its vibrant designs, transforms entryways and windows into art glass focal points.

The Glass Master in Denver crafts custom stained glass with over 30 years of expertise. Contact us to create an art glass piece that enhances your Colorado home’s charm and function