Denver’s historic homes, churches, and commercial buildings hold a treasury of stained glass windows — some more than a century old. But Colorado’s unique climate, with its intense high-altitude UV exposure, dramatic temperature swings, and occasional hailstorms, takes a toll on even the finest craftsmanship. That’s where professional stained glass restoration comes in: the careful process of bringing aging, damaged windows back to their original beauty while preserving their historical integrity for future generations.

We’ve spent over two decades restoring stained glass across the Denver metro area, from stained glass windows in historic Capitol Hill bungalows to sanctuary panels in neighborhood churches throughout the city. Every restoration project we take on is an opportunity to honor the artistry of the original craftspeople while ensuring the glass continues to catch Colorado’s famous 300-plus days of annual sunshine for decades to come. Whether the window is a small bathroom panel in a Wash Park Victorian or a towering nave window in a Capitol Hill sanctuary, the goal is always the same: make it look as it did the day it was installed.

Why Stained Glass Deteriorates in Colorado’s Climate

Stained glass windows face challenges unique to the Mile High City. Denver’s elevation means UV radiation is more intense than at sea level — the thinner atmosphere filters less sunlight, and over decades, that exposure fades pigments and weakens lead came. Temperature fluctuations between scorching summer afternoons and freezing winter nights cause the metal framework to expand and contract repeatedly, loosening joints and allowing moisture to seep between glass and lead.

Hailstorms, which sweep across the Front Range with regularity, can crack or shatter individual glass pieces. And in neighborhoods like Washington Park and Cherry Creek, where many homes date to the early 1900s, original stained glass has often endured a century of these conditions without any professional attention. By the time a homeowner notices bowing, bulging, or cracked pieces, the window needs comprehensive restoration — not a surface-level patch.

The dryness of Colorado’s climate also plays a role. While humidity might seem like the enemy of historic materials, extreme dryness can cause the putty and cement that seal stained glass panels to become brittle and crack over time. Once that seal breaks down, the window’s structural integrity begins to fail, and pieces can shift or fall.

Our Stained Glass Restoration Process

Every restoration begins with a thorough assessment. We carefully examine the window’s structure, glass condition, lead came integrity, and any previous repairs that may have used incompatible materials. This evaluation tells us exactly what needs attention and helps us develop a restoration plan tailored to the specific window and its historical context.

After assessment, we document the panel with detailed photographs and rubbings — pressing paper over the window and rubbing with chalk or graphite to capture the exact lead line pattern. This record ensures we can reassemble the window precisely as it was originally constructed, preserving both its structural integrity and its artistic intent. We treat every window as a one-of-a-kind artifact, because that’s exactly what it is.

Next, we carefully disassemble the panel, removing the old lead came and cleaning each piece of glass individually. We replace damaged glass with matching pieces, using the same types of glass and techniques as the original artisans. The American Institute for Conservation has documented how determining what glass is original and what has been inserted over time is a critical part of any restoration — a principle we follow in every project, from small residential windows to large-scale church restorations.

We then re-lead the panel using new came matching the original profile, solder every joint, and apply weatherproofing cement between lead and glass. Finally, we reinforce the panel with support bars and reinstall it, ensuring it can withstand another century of Colorado weather. The result is a window that looks as vibrant as the day it was first hung — with the structural strength to endure what the next hundred years bring.

Signs Your Stained Glass Needs Restoration

Many property owners don’t realize their stained glass needs professional attention until significant damage has occurred. We encourage regular inspection, especially in Denver’s older neighborhoods where homes and religious buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s still hold original windows. If you live in LoDo, Baker, or Congress Park, your stained glass may be quietly aging. Here are the warning signs:

• Bulging or bowing: The panel is no longer flat — it has pushed outward, meaning the lead came has weakened and can no longer support the glass weight
• Cracked or broken glass pieces: Individual panes have fractured from impact, stress, or thermal shock
• Loose or crumbling lead: The came feels soft or powdery when touched, indicating it has oxidized and lost structural strength
• Water leakage: Moisture is penetrating around the window, which can damage both the glass and the surrounding frame
• Faded painted details: Figures, inscriptions, or decorative painting have lost their definition from decades of UV exposure

If you notice any of these signs, the window will only deteriorate further without intervention. Early restoration prevents more extensive — and more complex — damage down the line.

Restoring More Than Windows: Denver’s Living History

Stained glass restoration is about more than fixing broken windows — it’s about preserving the stories embedded in Denver’s architecture. When the Molly Brown House Museum in Capitol Hill underwent its stained glass restoration — the largest at the historic home since the 1970s — it was a reminder that these windows are artifacts of our city’s past. Each panel carries the design vision, the craftsmanship, and even the personality of the people who commissioned and created it. We take that responsibility seriously in every restoration we undertake.

We approach religious stained glass restoration with the same reverence. Church windows across Denver’s historic sanctuaries tell the story of congregations that built this city, and restoring them ensures those stories remain visible for the next generation of worshippers and visitors. From ornate painted windows in Gothic revival churches to simpler geometric panels in Craftsman-era chapels, each piece receives the same meticulous care and historical accuracy.

Ready to Restore Your Stained Glass?

If your home, church, or business has stained glass that shows signs of age or damage, we’d love to help. Denver Stained Glass brings over 25 years of restoration experience to every project — from small residential sidelights to large sanctuary windows. We provide personalized consultations and detailed assessments, so you’ll know exactly what your windows need and why. Contact Denver Stained Glass today to schedule a consultation and let us bring your historic glass back to life.

Martin Faith

Fueled by a desire to preserve a centuries old tradition and one of the world’s most intricate and captivating art forms, Martin Faith is a dedicated craftsman and the proud owner of Denver Stained Glass. Using the skills he gained as a stained glass artisan in Glasgow, Scotland, Martin has spent the last thirty years focusing his efforts on creating exquisite works of art to adorn the walls of homes, churches, and buildings all across Colorado. His extensive knowledge in the areas of glassmaking, modern design, and historic preservation make him an expert in his trade and have given him a reputation as one of the most celebrated stained glass artisans of his time.