Points to note when making panels for
encapsulating leaded panels in double glazing units.
In building a new panel, the perimeter
should be of “Y” came. This allows the double glazing spacers to
be placed on either side of the leg of the “Y”, incorporating it
into the structure of the whole unit.
The tolerances for double glazed units
are much less than for single glazed wooden units.
If you decide to use mastic, it must
not be linseed oil cement, as the oxidisation process produces a
condensate that fogs up the interior. Use a butyl putty instead.
It is also possible to finish the
panel without any mastic under the leads, as the double glazed unit
will provide the structural support. You do need to dress all the
flanges of the lead to the glass to avoid light showing around the
edges of the glass.
Finishing the leads should be with a
polishing brush only to avoid introducing chemicals in a closed
atmosphere. The polishing brush will bring up a dark colour on the
leads and solder joints with repeated light brushing. This also is
an indication that the solder jointing should be as neat as possible
with small flat joints.
