Energy Usage, Conservation and Weather Stripping - Stained Glass Windows at 150 Year Old Church

My Parish is in the process of renovating a 150 year old Church that we are buying. The Church has not been used for the last 15 years and some exrtensive repairs are needed before we can starting using it again. The sancutary has 6 stained glasss windows. We are planning to redo the Siding (currenly wood siding) with vinyl siding. We would like to make the building as energey efficient as possible. When removing the external siding we will will be adding additional insulation. However, we are not sure how to address the stained glass windows. Is there any way to add an additional layer of glass to reduce heat loss from these windows. We are in the north East and the Church sits on the side of a hill. Cold wind blows and the temparature in the area can slip to sub zero for at least a month in the winter.

I am posting pictures of the Church and the Windows. Please let me know what you think.

GEEVEEE

http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo355/GEEVEE/Church%20Windows/ChurchWindows2.gif

http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo355/GEEVEE/Church%20Windows/ChurchWindows1.gif

Absolutely beautiful windows. You are lucky some fools haven't broken them.

I'm not positive, but I would think you could have some custom storm windows made for them. Just fixed panes that can be removed for cleaning or maintenance. Might even be able to get double pane or LoE glass to increase the efficiency.

They would mount to the wood framing/trim that you will butt the new siding to.

Might not be cheap, but you may be able to appeal to their sense of charity.

Beautiful windows. Go with Gunguy's suggestions. You don't want to try to move or remove those fragile old panes.

Dear Geevee,

I have worked with churches previously and it is my understanding that putting storm windows or sealed lexan over stained glass gives only minor insulating benefits but causes other problems such as trapped moisture which damages the wood frames.

New frames for stained glass are available that are designed specifically for heat and energy savings but that would mean removing the existing frames and having all new frames installed. It is hard to know without details if this energy savings would pay for the replacement of the frames.

I recently attended the annual conference for the Mass. UCC Church group and there was someone there demonstating protection for windows but I don't recall who. Perhaps you can contact my pastor (Rev. Grace Murray) and she may have a list of what vendors were at the conference. 413-548-9199

Good Luck