Is it worth it to encapsulate my stained glass window?

For most homeowners who love their original leaded glass, encapsulation is worth it. You're getting to keep the exact window that gives your home its character, while it finally performs like a modern one, no more drafts, far less heat loss, and no cold glass sweating every winter. Instead of tearing out a beautiful old window because it's inefficient, you keep it and make it work. That's the whole appeal.

It makes the most sense if you're planning to stay in the home and the window is exposed to the elements, a front door panel, a sidelight, anything taking direct weather. Those are the windows where you feel the comfort difference most, and where sealing the original glass away from rain and sun adds the most years to its life. If the panel is in rough shape, it's worth restoring it first so it's strong inside the new unit, but that's part of the same goal, keeping the original window and making it last. If you're not sure whether it's worth it for your particular window, that's exactly what a free consultation is for, and I'll give you a straight answer either way.