Replacing original stain glass windows?

[bumbledeedum]

Has anyone got any experience of replacing original stain glass windows in a 1920s/30s semi? Looking into buying a beautiful house but it still has the original wood frames and they are literally falling apart. We've seen original glass encased in new double glazing but no idea how much this is likely to cost and there's probably 20 - 25 in varying sizes, really wouldn't want to lose such beautiful original features but also don't have a massive budget.

[FortunesFave]

The only way you'll know is to get a rough quote from a specialist.

sashwindowspecialist.com/blog/hampshire-period-window-repair/

Look up people like this. Also, offer a price for the house that reflects the cost of the repairs needed.

[NewHouseNewMe]

If it's a common design, then many window companies stock it. Everyone on my street has replaced their windows with the same or variant of the original bought "off the shelf".

If it's a large bespoke window, it's more expensive. From memory, we paid about £800 to have a large window commissioned.
It was worth every penny.

[alexdgr8]

NewHouse, was that for encasing original window in new frame/double glazing, or was it for entirely new window with a stained glass type design, ie a modern version of an old classic.

[NewHouseNewMe]

It was for a modern version of an old classic. We were told the original couldn't be guaranteed to work effectively.
I'd be interested to know the success rate of the encasement approach? I'm now wondering if we were misled!

[FortunesFave]

I spoke to DH about it and he says a good carpenter could make new frames and put the old glass in them.

[alexdgr8]

it's just that by their very nature, stained glass, with the lead joins is so very fragile, esp if old.
i fear that in removing, handling, fitting to new frames, it might get damaged, fall apart.
but i have seen where people kind of preserve the original as a kind of sandwich in, i suppose double glazing, so you can still see the original design, but it is protected from the elements, and from horrid children throwing eggs...

[MrsJamin]

I'm sure it can be done - it will be worth it to have a sturdy door that is also beautiful and in keeping with the period of the house. We didn't have an original door so we commissioned a stained glass section to go in a new door. We love looking at it every day.

[Thecazelets]

It is expensive. We had one stained glass panel on our Edwardian front door removed, re-leaded, strengthened and put back in with a backing of toughened glass as it was very fragile and flexing every time the door slammed. It was about £450 for the one panel - I dread to think how much it would be for a whole house.

[OneEpisode]

The 1930:s was a building boom and improved techniques meant many people got homes cheaply. House prices fell as a result of the mass building. Look at what your potential new Neighbours have done, there may be a 2020 affordable alternative.

We only had one original panel in our 30s house. It was in the front door which had already been damaged beyond repair. We chose a new door in keeping with our neighbours and saved the panel and displayed It inside.

[Chumleymouse]

Yes I’ve fitted one that a chap had done for his landing ( was 1930’s house ). And it was like you say between two panes of glass, it was very heavy and the new window had to have a bigger rebate because the unit ( glass ) was wider than normal , like triple glazing,

I think the amount you need would be quite expensive.

[JoJoSM2]

Have you checked that all the windows are screwed? In our last house we had frames restored so bit were filled or replaced. We did get a quote for encasing - can’t remember the numbers but it was costly.

The 2020 PVC repro windows really don’t look that great. If your budget allows, I’d try to at least keep the front decent and put cheaper windows on the back. If that’s still £££, then maybe at least the front door and hall window. A stained glass restorer can give it any touch ups needed.

[Chumleymouse]

I like to see them put between 2 panes of glass, Plus you get the benefit of modern glazing ( warmth ). Better soundproofing and easy cleaning ,inside and out. Original stained glass it a pain to clean .

[TwoLeftSocksWithHoles]

We had a stained glass panel (21 x 29 inches) removed from an internal 1930s door (1 over 3 panel) restored and it cost about £450. The chap came and removed it, took it way, dismantled it, cleaned it and releaded it and then came back and fitted it back. in the door. I would always try to keep original features.

[bumbledeedum]

Thank you everyone for the replies! Sorry I posted this then have been busy with more viewings today and hadn't checked it.

I think reading these comments and some of the research we've done it's just going to be just too much for our budget especially with other work we'd need/want to do to the house.

I did mean encasing the original glass inside of a double glazed unit as well rather than a modern repro. Thank you to the person that mentioned the additional depth of the glass as well, I hadn't thought about how that would add to the work as the current wooden frames and sills are quite narrow.

I think our search for a home continues...

[HaggieMaggie]

We have a few houses round here where the original stained glass has been encased making it a triple pane window. No idea where they were done though as I love in a modern house.

[DustyD2]

We got replicas made in double glazed upvc. Cheaper than using the originals and look really nice. I think a 1920/30's house can take upvc better than an older house. Would have loved wooden frames but price and maintenance deterred us