The wood framing, though beautiful, was not adequate thickness to accommodate the weight of the stained glass.  To change the framing was not an option, due to the fine, elaborately detailed, keel molding of this frame which added greatly to the beauty of these windows. The sashes and frames of two monumental, Catherine wheel windows were removed and reinforced with Carbon Fiber.  Carbon Fiber reinforcing is a process in which internal sections of the frame are adhered together via epoxy mastic with carbon fiber placed between.  This system of one inch bi-directional carbon fiber has the equivalent tensile load bearing capacity of a 3/8” thick steel plate.

Damaged sections of the frame were repaired, and missing or rotted sections were replicated.   
The Carbon Fiber reinforcing process, developed specifically for this project, added necessary structure to support wind load and preserve the delicacy of the intricate keel moldings in the tracery.  This restoration process allowed an important architectural element of the Church to maintain the original design with no visible modification or protective glazing.