Polycarbonate Plastic Protection
Polycarbonate is a very tough plastic used for motor sport crash helmets and police riot shields and bus shelter glazing. It does not break or shatter when something hard hits it, so is ideal for protecting stained glass windows. It can be cut into complex curved shapes so can protect even the most intricate windows cut to the stone tracery. The grade we use has a clear UV protective coating to prevent discolouring.
A recent court ruling over turned a ban on polycarbonate protection by some Diocesan Advisory Committees allowing polycarbonate to be used on all churches see Daily Telegraph article: Church finds salvation in double glazing to protect stained glass
A recent court ruling over turned a ban on polycarbonate protection by some Diocesan Advisory Committees allowing polycarbonate to be used on all churches see Daily Telegraph article: Church finds salvation in double glazing to protect stained glass
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These photos are from a past project:-
Site Location: The Chapel, Smithills Hall Historic House, Bolton. 15th Century Listed Building. Client: Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council. Material: 'Palsun' polycarbonate sheet in 5, 6 or 8mm thickness. |
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Fixing Method:
The stained Glass is cleaned and re-pointed if required. Stainless steel angle brackets are secured to the stone frame using stainless steel screws. These are fixed into the mortar joints if possible. Polycarbonate is cut to the shape of each individual stained glass panel with a 5mm air gap allowance for ventilation. It is then drilled and fixed to the brackets using M6 dome head Allen bolts and lock nuts. Polycarbonate has proved to be a very successful method of protecting the stained glass without spoiling the external appearance of the building.
The stained Glass is cleaned and re-pointed if required. Stainless steel angle brackets are secured to the stone frame using stainless steel screws. These are fixed into the mortar joints if possible. Polycarbonate is cut to the shape of each individual stained glass panel with a 5mm air gap allowance for ventilation. It is then drilled and fixed to the brackets using M6 dome head Allen bolts and lock nuts. Polycarbonate has proved to be a very successful method of protecting the stained glass without spoiling the external appearance of the building.
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Polycarbonate should always be cut to the shape of the stained glass and fixed at least 25mm away from the glass to prevent damage if a heavy object hits the polycarbonate.
If the polycarbonate is fitted as separate pieces it allows the windows and stone to breathe and the beauty of the stone mullions and tracery to be seen. There are many advantages to using polycarbonate : it is unbreakable so can not crack, it can be cut to any shape, it is totally transparent and the UV protective coating stops it from going opaque in sun light. The main disadvantage of using polycarbonate is that the surface can be scratched if at low level so may be subjected to graffiti. To get a quote please email or use the contact us page. |
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Polycarbonate must never be fitted as a single sheet, covering the stone as this will lead to condensation and green algae on the stone. It also gives a hall of mirrors effect that can make a beautiful building look unsightly. As can be seen from this photo on the right. To find out about Wire Guards Protection click here To find out about Laminated Glass Protective Glazing click here |
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