Updating the appearance of the home doesn’t have to take up all of your time. While you could spruce things up with landscape gardening, an extension or a big paint job, there are some cost-effective alternatives that will create just as much of an impact. Stained glass in Berkshire is a popular choice for commercial and residential properties, because this attractive instalment has been used since ancient Rome times. It’s easy to see why coloured glass was primarily used to depict Bible scenes in Catholic churches. Not sure if this investment is right for you? Learn the facts first.
The Manufacturing Process
There is something rather unique about the manufacturing process of coloured glass in Berkshire. Unlike most types of glass, which is simply melted at high temperatures before being left to harden, stained glass is combined with other materials to give it a tint. The colour can vary but most commonly, stained glass will be manufactured in shades of red, blue, green and purple. When metallic oxide is mixed with raw materials, a colour is produced. The type of material being combined with metallic oxide will depend on what colour is going to be achieved. For example, blue will be created with cobalt, whereas copper oxide will be chosen to produce green or ruby red.
The History
Stained glass dates back more than 5,000 years. It was first seen in European Christian churches and was traditionally chosen to beautify windows. However, coloured glass is also widely chosen to make ornaments and glass lampshades. William Jay Bolton is the man who kick-started the big stained glass movement when in 1943, he practiced the art of coloured glass to made a window for a church in New York.
Care and Conservation
If you want your windows to stand the test of time, you will need to clean them on a regular basis. Frequent cleaning will prevent dirt and dust from making the surface appear dull. Also, it will give you a chance to inspect the glass for cracks and damage. Use a soft bristle brush rather than a liquid cleaner, because liquids might ruin the colour. Some other ways in which you can care and conserve decorative glass in Berkshire is by inspecting windows for signs of sagging, bulging, leaking water and faint paint.
Do you want to liven up the appearance of your home with patterned or stained glass in Berkshire? If so, let Direct Glazing offer you a professional service. Visit them online!
