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Single glazed historic windows

nynick | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

We have a couple of quarter round and half round windows we’d like to keep as part of our old house renovation. They will be exposed to the inside of the living space because of raised ceilings.

All the new windows and doors will be triple glazed. I’m unsure how to address these old, single glazed windows once I clean them up and paint them so they don’t leak excessively. 

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

Nick in CT

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    Michael Maines | | #1

    Nick, you might want to talk with Justin Fink: https://www.finkandson.com/. He could make you custom insulated glass windows to match your existing windows. They won't be inexpensive but they will be high-quality.

  2. walta100 | | #2

    The big problem with leaving them single pane is not the energy losses it is that the surface temp of the thin glass will often fall below the dew point of the air in the room and lots of water will condense and run off the glass. You will spend your time mopping it up and wondering about rot.

    Exterior and interior storm windows would help.

    Walta

  3. nynick | | #3

    Maybe I'll look into double pane replacements. Looks like some of the big boys make them.
    Argh.

  4. Expert Member
    DCcontrarian | | #4

    I hate storm windows. I would look into something that would be functionally equivalent, but aesthetically more pleasing, which is mounting double-glazed glass to the exterior of the existing glass. See if you could make or have made a wooden (or PVC) frame that fits into the existing frame, and a glass unit that fits into it.

    1. nynick | | #5

      I've been thinking along the same lines. Maybe even buying a rectangular piece for the exterior and then mount a half round empty frame to make it look like it was a window.

      My architect's hubby is a glass guy so I'll ask him for potential solutions.

      I'm also going to price new double glazed windows.

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