We are accustomed to seeing glass windows wherever we go in our daily routines. Maybe that’s why you’re looking for replacement windows in Chesterfield, MO.
Something we aren’t used to seeing or interacting with often is stained glass windows. They’re normally reserved for extremely special places, such as churches and fancy private homes in the ceiling.
Just what are stained glass windows? When did they become popular and what is their purpose for them? Instead of guessing the answers to these questions, you’ll be able to tell everyone you know that you’re knowledgeable about these unique pieces of art.
When Did Stained Glass Emerge?
This is a point that is debated among historians and is quite uncertain with the current knowledge we have.
However, we do know that ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were the first two civilizations to begin creating man-made glass that we use today.
In fact, some of the earliest evidence we have of man-made glass came from ancient Egypt. Egyptians, way back in the day created these colored glass beads – which paved the way for actual stained glass to be made, in the same way, the wheel led to the invention of the wagon.
True stained glass windows were originally used by Romans that were pretty well loaded with money and power in the first century AD. These used stained glass windows as a way to show their power and status.
How is Stained Glass Made?
Aristians and craftsmen were people that made stained glass for people to buy and use.
The process began with mixing potash and sand (to make the initial glass), heating this combination in a furnace to the tune of 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, and then adding a variety of metallic oxide powders in order to create the color in the stained glass.
After this initial process of creation, the artisans and craftsmen would have blueprints of the window design, then lay large sheets of glass on the blueprint to cut it precisely.
Grozing was used to finish the stained glass windows. Finally, after any additional painting, the glass pieces were fitted into cames (strips of lead), and ready to be installed.
What is Stained Glass Windows Used For?
Stained glass windows, at the end of the day, are colored glass windows that allow for light to pass through in order to highlight the designs etched into them.
Stained glass windows are mainly used to depict in-depth scenes of great significance. That is why we so often see stained glass windows used in churches and as features in beautiful architectural masterpieces.
It isn’t uncommon to see a stained glass window in the ceiling of a central landmark to a city or country.
At the end of the day, you can use stained glass windows for whatever you want – like when Romans used them to showcase their wealth and status.
You can learn more about replacement windows in Chesterfield, MO. Talk to us at Masonry & Glass Systems Inc to schedule a quote and learn more about our services. Visit our office in Missouri or call our location.
