What is a saddle bar in leaded glass?
A saddle bar, also called a wind bar, in Dutch “windroede”, is a round or flat bar, usually of iron or steel, that supports a leaded glass panel (or a dalle de verre panel of thick cast glass in concrete or resin) on the inside or outside of the window against wind pressure. Lead is soft and sags under load. Without saddle bars a leaded panel gradually bows in or out, and pieces of glass can spring out of the lead cames.
How it works and how it is fixed
- The bar runs horizontally (sometimes vertically) across the panel, with its ends anchored in the frame, reveals or masonry.
- The panel is attached with ties: copper wires soldered to the lead came and twisted around the bar.
- Bar spacing depends on panel size and wind exposure. The larger and higher the window, the more bars.
- In large church windows saddle bars, mullions and transoms sometimes form a complete iron armature.
Common damage
- Rust: a rusting bar expands. Where it is built into stone, it can crack the stonework or masonry.
- Loose ties: the panel no longer hangs on the bar and starts to bulge.
- Bowed panels: a sign that bars are missing, too far apart or loose.
Repair tips
- Treat rust: de-rust and paint the bars, or replace them with stainless or galvanised steel.
- Protect the ends: keep the ends in the masonry dry and fill the pockets with a suitable, not too hard mortar or sealant.
- Bulging panels: slight bulges can sometimes be eased back; badly deformed panels need re-leading by a stained glass conservator.
- Protective glazing: church windows often get external protective glazing. Ventilate the gap, or condensation will attack the lead and bars.
- Listed buildings: repairs often need consent. Use a specialist stained glass studio.
Related terms
- Leaded glass
- Leaded glass examples
- Window armature
- Glazing bar
- Restoration
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