What a dilemma you have. I do hope it works out, however I think those windows or your heating bill is going to be substantial. Best of luck.

Can we please see pics? Sounds lovely!! (minus the leaking windows;) And I think bite the bullet and replace the windows. It's going to have to happen; rip that bandaid off.

Do you need to be able to open the windows? If not, I'd try to find a carpenter for custom framing and put double glass in. Might be less expensive than operable windows.

I'd go to a custom glass place and ask them. I helped redo a church once, and converting old, huge windows to a single pane was quite reasonable through Henderson Glass (not sure if they have any in your area). I can tell you that YOU will have to do the homework here; a window company will only see dollars when they look at them.

That storm quote seems crazy. We did provia storms custom sized on 29 110 year old windows for $7k installed last year. Maybe yours have some unique issues but I'd shop that around a bit if you haven't.

In our last home, I had my handyman make a greenhouse window for over the kitchen sink out of an old wooden door. He was able to buy double insulated glass at a local glass company, and the entire window (including labor) was cheap. He saw it as a challenge, and I saw it as a way to get my greenhouse window.

I'd also love to see pictures of your new purchase!

What a cool project! Please share pictures!

I think I'd make the windows a priority and would spend whatever it takes to "do them right". In any house, the quality of the windows is a make-or-break item, and I suspect it's even more true in your unique house.

I also think that if these most prominent windows are real show-stoppers, the other windows throughout the house can be quality-but-simple. Attention won't naturally flow to them.

First, you need to settle on your goal with the windows. Are the current windows blocking a great view? If so, I would not hesitate to remove all the stained glass and switch to clear. Stained glass is best used when you want to block a view..

Do you want them to be decorative only or must they open and close? Do the current windows open and close-are they actually functional as is? Do you like the way they function? In a lot of church architecture The windows were really a series of rectangular windows stacked on top of each other with an arched window on top. Only the bottom panel actually opened-moved, everything else was fixed and that a bottom panel arrangement provided very little air flow.

When you say the windows are in horrible condition, what exactly do you mean? Is the glass sagging in its frame? Do they need to be re-glazed to stop all the holes? Or is it just the outside frame? A lot of windows are held in place by wooden stops-just pieces of wood that any carpenter can easily cut and install and fixing that would not be an expensive repair job.

Are you trying to preserve the arch? Is it possible to install a normal rectangular window below the arch and to frame out and deal with the arched portion separately...later? It costs an absolute fortune to do any kind of window with an arch at the top as you have found out. Maybe the better move would be to frame the top of the window and put in either glass or plywood in the arched as a place marker until you can afford stained glass there and purchase regular rectangular windows for the area below the arch.

Are the windows visible from the outside? If not, is it possible to leave the current windows in place but to add rectangular windows over the entire window from the outside, or is this just going to look to odd?

How far down the wall do these windows come? Are they so close to the ground that you have to have tempered glass in them? Maybe that is why you see the ugly panels at the bottom of the current window? Colored window films could be a great inexpensive short term solution for the ugly bottom panels.

Do you want to stained glass? Do you like the portion of these windows that is in stained glass currently? (for instance is it some kind of religious theme that you absolutely despise?) If you don't like the windows then I would definitely get rid of them. If you feel guilty about doing that, try to sell them on eBay or craigslist, etc. It is not usually possible to cost-effectively repair a stained glass window. The problem starts when you remove it, you have to have cut to size plywood ready to support the window as you pull it out of the frame and for a large window you usually need two or three strong men to hold it/ help remove it, those labor costs add up fast.... then you have to add another sheet of plywood so it can be transported safely between two vertical panels, so you have transport costs and then there's the actual artistan labor and materials cost.

Stained glass has a lot of issues, not the least of which is that it is difficult to repair and if it has not been properly glazed it will be very drafty. A lot of times a stained glass window is installed against a solid exterior pane of glass so that the air etc. cannot come in from the outside. So while that appears to be two layers of glass which is a little more insulation then a single pane of glass, it's not insulation in the same way that a double or triple paned window by milgard, anderson, etc. would provide.

I really like stained-glass (or bevelled glass, another option), but I now have triple paned windows and the sound and heat insulation that they provide is so far superior to stained glass it's not really worth talking about stained glass except as light catchers hanging in front of the windows.

I second this statement from Practigal:

"I really like stained-glass (or beveled glass, another option), but I now have triple paned windows and the sound and heat insulation that they provide is so far superior to stained glass it's not really worth talking about stained glass except as light catchers hanging in front of the windows."

I would replace windows with newer windows that take care of all the problems. I would not do stained glass or privacy glass. I prefer window treatments that can be moved out of the way to see the view unobstructed. Triple pane windows are great. They insulate, protect from sound and if you get a good window, they airseal beautifully. Also, don't presume the price is prohibitive for the windows. Get accurate pricing for your specific situation first.

Good luck!

The priority here needs to be stewardship, not practicality. Whatever you choose, it should be reversible. Historic fabric in the trash because someone bought a project he couldn't afford is criminal.

For your first winter, I would suggest using the interior application clear plastic patio door insulation kits. If you apply it carefully, they are a very practical approach to the issue and will give you sufficient time to research the various options available

Wow - a lot of excellent questions here!

I'm going to add a picture or two. The church looks like a church from the outside, but the inside has tragically had anything of any interest or historic value removed. I have already done a fair amount, removing walls, removing old carpet and refinishing the original heart pine floors including putting part of an old church pew into areas that needed patching, etc. I'm trying to bring some of the character and essence of the church back into it, without beggering myself in the process.

I'm planning to paint the beams in the living area white soon (they are not beautiful old beams, just cheap stained wood).

There is no stained glass at all now and one of the arched windows is only visible from the outside.

One of the high arches has the original 'wavy' glass. The others have been replaced at some point.

My answer to the efficient windows was the storm windows, but at such cost I'm wondering if it's even worth it and whether I should indeed just put in decent windows and proceed from there.

The view is..... not wonderful, but also not hideous. I just hate not being able to see out at all thanks to the hideous privacy glass. I would be happier with it clear, but happier still with a simple design which would marry light, the ability to see out and a design of some sort.

The bottom panels of these windows do open and are held open with small wooden pegs as the weight mechanisms are long since broken. I would prefer to be able to open them, but it's not really vital.

All 3 windows you can see in the bottom picture are the same size and shape from the outside.

This is the interior condition of the windows... and they definitely let cold air in.

This was the kind of design I was looking at for stained glass. Very simple with lots of room for clear glass, light and the ability to see out.

This sounds like a job for Tommy Silva of This Old House! I am actually serious, why not write in and ask about salvaging the windows to Ask This Old House?

I know of a couple of antique window restorers in Maine, and I'm sure they must exist elsewhere. Google is your friend here, I am pretty sure there are antique window restoration forums and lots of historic preservation sites will have info, too. Several times there has been a window restorer featured on This Old House, and on the most recent Ask This Old House Tommy Silva repaired an unusual antique window, and mentioned specifically a way to replace sash weights with another device which would allow insulating the voids where the weight travels. I've linked it and it is the first segment on the show.

As for the stained glass, Jim Nutting at Maine Art Glass Studio is a specialist in restoring/remaking stained glass windows. I took a class with him years ago and saw some of his amazing work. Not close by, but hey, who doesn't need a reason to travel to Maine? Plus, I bet costs will be less.

Before you make any decisions, speak with an antique window specialist. I think there will be a way to salvage the windows without breaking the bank, and in the meantime, the clear plastic Linda suggested actually works remarkably well. Good Luck!

You need to talk to the folks in the old house forum here, who know a lot about restoring windows. Several threads there, like this one:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2466696/has-anyone-replaced-newer-windows-with-old-salvaged-ones?n=35

Nosy me wants to ask, is this still in Hoboken? That's where I was born and raised.

Holy cow!! ( pun intended). The inside is gorgeous with what you've done already. I would really try to restore those windows. If you don't, I think down the road you will regret it.

For the immediate future, you can buy window films that give the appearance of stained glass. But given the part of the country that you're in (I think you get real weather) I would opt for the double or triple paned windows first. I am told that it is possible to make a wooden window sash that has both a double pane window and the Stainglass, but I have not personally seen one. Have you seen the windows that have the venetian blinds inside of the window? Maybe that would interest you because you can have the blind up or down or tilted for privacy.

One thing I would do is I would have the measurements of those windows ready and available, maybe on your phone somewhere, so that if you have spare time you can begin shopping eBay or craigslist and/or local stores and if you find windows of the right size you can move on it/them.

You can totally restore old windows, either DIY or by hiring a specialist company.

I would want to keep/restore/repair the windows. Adds charm and character. I also wouldn't paint the beams - love them!

There are a number of companies that make interior storm windows. That might be the least costly solution, useful even if you spring for stained glass when the budget allows.

Storms will provide comparable energy efficiency to a new double pane.

Beautiful space!!! I would love to see more pics! From your description, it looks like you have done a lot of work and it looks great!

I love those windows. I think you will have to call around for estimates. I found prices really varied. I ended up using a commercial glass contractor. I like your design for stainless glass. But I think double panes glass would look nice too. I think you are going to have to replace the frames, or at least repair them, also.

Hiya!! It's me, Bee. Always fun to see an old "face" when I pop in here every now and then. Just wanted to share a great stained glass artist with you. She's down in Chester County. Currently I believe she has pieces in the Jr League of Wilmington's showhouse in Centreville DE. Her name is Lore Evans. And I just realized she has a Houzz profile. Hope all is well! http://www.houzz.com/pro/glassgallerypa/glass-gallery-by-lore-evans

Hey bee!!! How goes it?

I'm going to take a look at her page. I really would love to do something a bit special with those windows. They would be so pretty and I think it would add a lot of value to the house. Whether it would be enough that it would cover the cost is another story. Lol.

Thanks for the lead! : )

If you don't post more pictures of a kitchen... big ol dining area.. all sorts of cool pics, we shall all turn away and not look.. er.. until you do..! yea!.. lol

Good luck with this. I say keep / get it all original. You bought quirky, so make that quirk wirk! (yes misspelled for the pun.. lol)

Gonna be an awesome place to live no doubt!

R

(okay.. I am turning my back now till you show a picture of the kitchen area... really.. I am..)

Russ, the kitchen is really nothing to write home about.

It's ok'ish, but I would LOVE to rip it out and start over. LOL. I really should try and improve it slightly and live with it, but we'll see!

I have taken some steps forward on the windows. I am taking a deep breath and ordering custom storm windows. We have a local company that will make them to fit exactly with a removable storm/ or screen. It's expensive, but less than I thought.

I also got a lead on a company called Stained Glass Overlay and I met with them today. I'm waiting to hear back on the quote, but I am hopeful that we can make it work. It's quite an interesting product and comes with real lead lines and stained glass panels.

They often either place a panel over the existing glass, or they replace the glass altogether which is what they would do in this case. Again, expensive, but I think it will add a ton of interest and value to the house and as I need to replace the privacy glass panels anyway, it might make sense.

I'll keep you updated!

Thanks for all the input, it really helped me make some decisions!

Have you ever watched "Rehab Addict" on DIY? A lot of her early shows showed her fixing old windows. I know I have seen her fixing stained glass windows. Her newest shows have gotten weird, but the first ones were full of ideas about how to keep older elements of the home. I wish I had seen them, before I had my old ceramic tile pulled out of the baths and new put in. The old was much better tile and was put up to last forever!

hobokenkitchen - Lovely to see your name pop up! How is your little one? I was sorry to hear you had left that beautiful kitchen but look forward to seeing what you do with your new home. I love the design you show of the stained glass but wonder about the challenges of decorating, with the colors of stained glass.

Not to devalue the idea of doing the windows in stained glass to mimic the original look,but why not do a temporary fix? Gallery glass has faux leading, peel and stick tracing your design, fill in with the paint, and done. Maybe not authentic, but certainly economical. And can be peeled off when finances allow.

I would love to see pics of what these windows look like from the outside.

Me too! In fact I would love to see pictures of everything inside and out. I am so jealous!

While stained glass would be lovely in an old church setting, I have to say I love the simplicity of the windows as they are. They work well with your style of decor. If you don't need privacy that the pebbled glass now provides, I'd consider just replacing that glass and finding more affordable storm window option, or having the plain windows restored.

Sorry for not responding for a bit, I got really bad news about my little dog at the end of last week and we've just been concentrating on her since then.

These windows look bad from the outside too sadly. The side wall is this pretty hideous stucco and the color is dubious.

still I think the house looks pretty cute from the front so I'll post a pic of that.

i decided to slow down on the beams and still haven't made a decision on lighting for the beamed portion of the room as recessed lights won't work. I may hit you guys up for ideas on that next. To my own shock I am considering track lighting for that section.

i got several quotes for storm windows, both interior and exterior. The ones I have settled on are expensive ($4500 for all three), but they are built by a very highly recommended person in town who lives less than 5 minutes walk away, knows all the history of my windows and I just feel really good about using them.

Mom still reserving judgement on the glass, but we'll see. I'm waiting on the design to come back showing some colors.

The front of the house; it's about 2650 sqft. Most of the portion to the right would have been added at some point. It was initially just the tiny chapel to the left.

On the whole I'm really liking it. It has a nice 'feel'.

To the right is a play room for my daughter, a full bathroom and a guest bedroom.

Upstairs has two more bedrooms, a full bathroom, small laundry room and the mezzanine where the choir used to sing which will probably end up an office/ extra guest space.

I need to get an electrician in urgently!!

Also OLDBAT!!!!!!!! Hi!!!!!!

Hoboken, I'm sorry to hear about your doggie! We had to put down our 13 year old kitty last Friday. Kinda makes everything else seem trivial. {{{Hugs.}}}

Donna

Hugs to you and your dog.

Thanks so much for the good thoughts.

She's been SO much better since going on the anti inflammatories. It doesn't change the outcome, but I've been able to put it to the back of my mind for a week because she seems so happy and back to herself.

The second she starts slipping I'll have to take action, but right now I'm just enjoying having my girl back again

msmeow - our girl is 13 too I'm so sorry for your loss. Ours is coming, but I think I'm a bit in denial now she's improved so much

What was the exact diagnosis? Some are really bad quick and some are just long and drawn out. We have had dogs on anti inflammatories for years.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma. Bladder cancer.

Almost her whole bladder is filled with the tumor. I took to the vet twice because I thought it was a UTI. At the third visit I asked them to check for bladder stones and then got this diagnosis. She has very frequent urination with a lot of blood, but she's much happier now she's taking her meds.

It really doesn't change anything though and that's the hard part to accept.

So sorry. Glad the meds are making her feel better.