Threeapples- Where do you live? What side do the winds come from, in the winter? We're in zone 4, wind from the west...in eastern Washington, so probably not a good idea here...but your situation might be completely different. It certainly sounds pretty, though! Leaded glass is such an elegant look :)

we're in northeastern ohio. i have no idea which way the winds come and how it would hit that part of the house. we have no overhang so the windows would be up against the elements.

Your construction crew could probably tell you about the winds. You might miss the extra insulation more, if the winds are hitting that side of the house. If you get any winds from the Great Lakes, they're probably coming from the north. It might be worth checking, before making your final decision.

Yes, the leaded glass lasted, but that does not mean it was energy efficient. I also don't know if the leading that was used back then is the same leading that is currently used as far as chemical makeup. I do know that when I took in the English leaded glass from the 1930's to get repaired/expanded, I was told the new sections would have thinner lead as the thicker lead they originally were made with is not available.

thanks, i'll have to check on the winds. i love the thicker lead and one of the stained/leaded glass artists in our area still uses it if it's what you're referring to as being wider strips of lead.