Adding Bow Windows to Your Home
The addition of bow windows to your home offers you a beautiful view of the outdoors as well as an impressive focal point inside your home. These windows are perfect for those who wish to plant indoor plants.
Like bow windows, bay windows allow more natural light to flood your living spaces. They are usually fixed (non-operational) versus bay windows, which are able to open to encourage ventilation.
Aesthetics
Bow windows are a stunning architectural feature that can be utilized inside and outside your home. They can be framed with various decorative elements to create a unique focal point that attracts attention and matches the design of your home.
Bow windows are a beautiful addition to any home. Their beauty and grace makes them perfect for creating a comfortable window seating area or breakfast area. Bow windows can be framed by the curved pole of a curtain that allows you to hang curtains or drapes to keep your privacy. You can even use bifold shutters, which are a great option to filter light without sacrificing the windows' curvature.
A bow window consists of between four and six equally-sized windows that are arranged and angled 10 degrees. They give an appearance that is more rounded and expand your living space by letting sunlight and stunning views. This type of window is ideal for homes with a large wall space that want to add a feature that will complement the architecture.
Both bay and bow windows are excellent at letting in natural light. This will lighten your living space and decrease the need for artificial lighting during the day. Bow windows are better if you're looking to add an eating area or sitting area into your home due to their ability to provide more floor space than bay windows.
The window frame can be crafted from a variety of materials, including aluminum, wood, vinyl and fibreglass. window glass replacement bow can even combine enhancements like etching, internal grids, glass or wood grain finishes, and custom paint to create the perfect aesthetic for your home.
Natural Light
Bow windows are curved, allowing the natural light in from various directions. You can control the amount of light that enters your home by altering the number of window panes and their positions. This provides a vast view and an impression of spaciousness in any space. It adds a unique aspect to your home's exterior. Many homeowners are enthralled by the look of these windows because they provide a wide view of the surrounding landscape that attracted them to their homes in the first place.
Like bow windows, bay windows let in more light than flat windows and provide your home a larger appearance. They can be used in kitchen nooks or dining rooms where extra floor space is ideal for tables and chairs. The windows' arcs can be lowered to hip or knee height, allowing a comfortable seat with a breathtaking view.
Bow windows can be made with a range of four to six panes depending on the size of the space you are looking to fill. You can mount shades on individual windowpanes for a unified look that lets light flow through. This look can be achieved with shades such as flat-fold Roman blinds or cellular shades, as well as blinds made of woven material.
The bow and bay windows let in more light than conventional windows, but which one is best for your home? It's all about the priorities you have for your home. Bay windows are more costly than bow windows and require a bigger structure for installation. You can pair them with double-hung windows casement windows, picture frames, and dress them in various grilles, roof options, and colors to match the architectural style of your house.
Ventilation
Like bay windows, bow windows are a great option to increase the amount of natural light in your home. They provide this benefit without extending as far from the wall as other styles of windows such as a casement or double-hung window. This makes them a good option for houses that don't have a lot of extra space on the exterior of their home.
Another excellent feature with bow windows is the ventilation they provide. Because they consist of between three and six distinct window panes you can choose to have any of them open for ventilation. This gives you a range of options to air flow, and is particularly useful in the event of rain.
Depending on the design you choose for your bow window, you can also include side hinged casements or tilt and turn windows for even more flexibility in the way you can let in fresh air. This can help reduce the requirement for artificial cooling in your home.
You can also put shades or drapes on your bow windows to personalize their appearance. For instance, you could make use of a curved rod to hang curtains that fit the curvature of the window. This creates a gorgeous traditional look that will complement the bow window. You can also opt for bifold shutters to cover your windows when you're not using them, and they can be very effective with the unique style that bow windows offer.
The best way to determine if bay or bow windows are the right choice for your home is by scheduling an appointment with a professional installer in the St. Louis area. Thompson Creek's experts Thompson Creek can walk you through the options available for both types of windows as well as the installation process and costs.
Energy Efficiency
Bow windows provide the same views and airflow that you get from bay windows, but they don't protrude from your home at sharp angles. They typically consist of three sections referred to as "lites" and can be fully tailored to your style. You can find them in wood, vinyl, and composite materials, each with its own benefits.
For example, vinyl is durable and affordable and composite frames are more environmentally friendly than wood. While you can't paint or stain vinyl, composite frames are easy to maintain and can appear similar to wood. Bow windows are available in various shapes and sizes, and you can choose from a variety of colors and textures to match your decor. Wood, on the other hand provides a natural look and can be customized with various styles to match your home.
No matter which type of window you select either way, bow or bay windows enhance the curb appeal of your home and will increase the value of the home when it is sold. Regular maintenance is essential to get the most out of your new windows. Cleaning the glass panes and panels and lubricating the moving parts and cleaning the hardware can help to prevent damage and extend their lifespan. It's also a good idea to have your windows professionally cleaned and checked on an annual basis for indications of wear or damage.
Energy efficiency is another factor to consider when choosing your bow replacement window. Although they don't open and hinge to the side as double-hung windows or casement windows, bow windows comprise of multiple panes of glass and are well-insulated. They are therefore more energy efficient than other styles of windows. These windows are also available in ENERGY STAR-certified versions which can help lower your utility bills. The windows are coated with Low-E on the insulated glass which protect you from harmful UV rays of the sun and unwanted heat during the summer.
Installation
When installed properly, bow windows can make a room feel bigger and add to the overall look of your home. A professional window builder is required to complete the job, which may include modifying an existing wall to accommodate bow windows, as well as building an additional header. The process involves a complex frame and drywall construction, and should only be completed by a professional window contractor with detailed knowledge of building codes and permits.
Bow windows differ from bay windows in that they don't usually have a wider central glass pane that is larger than the surrounding frames. The windows are sized and arranged to fit into the space, creating a semi-circle of windows that resemble an open bay without the protrusion. The bow window's curved shape creates an interior shelf that can be used as a seating space or to add a touch of elegance to the room, or for storage. The shelf can be raised up to knee or hip height, making it ideal to relax outdoors and take in the beauty of the landscape.
The unique arcs of the windows provide ample space for tables and chairs. Some windows feature an built-in seating area to read or converse with neighbors. You'll also need to cover the top and bottom of the bow window with soffits.
The window frame is generally constructed from composite or vinyl material. The frames come in a wide range of finishes and colors. You can also pick energy-efficient enhancements and customized options for the size or ornamental details. The contractor will help you select the best features that will meet your budget and needs. He or she will help you determine whether the project needs structural changes to accommodate the new windows.