Losing some of the charm

Earlier this year, we decided to start chipping away at replacing our single glazed windows with double glazing.

At first, we wanted to retrofit double glazing, so we could keep the original wooden windows with their beautiful lead lights. Unfortunately, the sills were in pretty rough shape, and after getting some specialist advice, we decided to replace the whole thing with aluminium joinery.

I hated that we were losing some of the charm of the house.

Lead lights add so much character, especially when they have lovely designs on them. But I couldn’t choose my house over my family. I needed to be sure that my kids were in a healthy home that was warm and dry, and replacing the windows was the way to do that.

We opted for argon gas filled Low-e glass in thermally broken aluminium joinery. They were expensive, but we’ve noticed a massive difference, especially in Nellie’s room, where the external walls are also insulated.

So yes, we did the house a disservice with this project, but I’m sleeping much better at night knowing my kids are in warm bedrooms, and that’s worth something too.

Cost: $1700each

Window units: Nulook by Morlite Aluminium