Transom Window Glass Repair — Historic Character, Proper Glazing

Yes, though leaded glass repair is specialized work that requires a different skill set than standard window glazing. A leaded transom has individual pieces of glass held in a came framework — lead or zinc channels soldered at the joints. If a single piece has cracked, we can cut a replacement piece to the same shape, remove the adjacent came carefully, fit the new piece, and re-solder. If the entire panel has sagged or multiple pieces are broken, we may recommend sending the panel to a leaded glass specialist for full restoration while we install a protective clear glass layer over the opening in the interim. We give you an honest assessment on the visit.

It depends on the specific location. The IRC (International Residential Code), which Virginia, Maryland, and DC all follow with local amendments, requires safety glazing in certain locations — including glass within a certain distance of a door opening and glass panels adjacent to walking surfaces. Transoms directly above a door are often in a code-required safety glazing zone, which means tempered or laminated glass is the correct replacement material. We verify the applicable code requirement on every transom job and will not install standard annealed glass in a location where tempered or laminated is required. If you are in a historic district where the original glass predates the code requirement, there are often variance processes — we can discuss that on the estimate visit.

Yes. Decorative glass upgrades for front door transoms are one of the more satisfying jobs we do — the change is visible from the street and dramatically affects the character of the entry. We can install sandblasted frosted glass (uniform frost across the whole pane), etched glass with a pattern, seeded glass (the kind with small bubbles that gives a vintage look), or a beveled glass panel with multiple pieces assembled in a frame. All of these options can be sourced in tempered glass when the location requires it. We bring samples on the estimate visit so you can see how the light comes through before you decide.