Oxidisation of Lead on Windows: Explained!

Lead has been used in window manufacturing for years. It’s most famously used for windows of old churches and traditional decorative stained-glass windows. It’s an entirely natural product. Unfortunately, as a natural product, it is prone to oxidisation in the open air in the same way that iron rusts. This can create a visual effect that is understandably disturbing to West Midlands homeowners. However, DW Windows are here to assure you that this is nothing to worry about, and the effects will wear off naturally fairly quickly, leaving behind a quality appearance.

Everything is explained in the video and corresponding blog below:

What does oxidised lead look like?

Lead oxidisation manifests itself as grey, milky streaks on the window pane. When this residence dries, it becomes a powder. Oxidisation can also cause a dull, discoloured appearance to areas on the lead itself.

In normal circumstances, these effects will eventually settle down and take on the traditional weathered dark grey appearance that lead is beloved for. This is a completely natural process and not something you need to be concerned about if you witness it in your new windows.

How do you get oxidisation off lead windows?

The ‘run off’ of oxidisation will stop once the oxidisation is complete. Any residue will come away naturally in the rain. You can simply leave it alone and let the process resolve itself. Particularly in winter, the overall process only takes a couple of days as there is constantly moisture in the air.

However, the problem is more evident during summer, when there is less rain, and any rain that does come quickly dries out again. This can result in the streaks sticking around for longer. If the effects are lasting longer than you anticipated, then you can clean the windows yourself…

How do you clean oxidised lead?

The powder produced by lead oxidisation can easily be washed away with warm soapy water, in the usual manner that you would clean your windows. No excessive force or effort is required to remove the effects of oxidisation. Too aggressive a cleaning process could cause you to expose layers beneath the lead.

Patination oil can be also used on the lead, but this will only slow down and prolong the oxidisation process. It also comes with its own side effects, including a messy and problematic oily ‘run off’ onto the glass.

Remember, any visual side-effects will eventually be dealt with naturally by a combination of the weather and lead’s natural oxidisation process.

The lead we use in our windows

At DW Windows, all the lead we use to manufacture our windows is highly refined. We only use pure lead of the highest possible quality. New lead is highly polished during the manufacturing process. This helps to improve the overall appearance of the windows. It also makes it easier for us to check for damage to the leadwork prior to installing it in your home.

New windows for Stourbridge, Dudley and West Midlands homes

We install high-quality windows for homeowners across the West Midlands. If you have further questions about lead oxidisation, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us on 0800 999 0909 or 01902 661 779.