Process to preserve isopipe during coupling

Methods for reducing stress on an isopipe during manufacture of a drawn glass sheet are disclosed including a method comprising providing an isopipe having a root, heating the isopipe to a predetermined temperature, maintaining the isopipe at the predetermined temperature for a period of time sufficient to relieve at least a portion of a tensile stress on the isopipe root, coupling the isopipe to a down-comer, and then providing glass to the isopipe. Also disclosed is a method comprising heating an isopipe such that the temperature difference between the weir and the root of the isopipe, after heating and prior to coupling, is less than about 100DEG C. A method comprising application of a compressive force to the ends of an isopipe root during heating is also disclosed.