Adding Bow Windows to Your Home
Installing bow windows in your home can provide you with an amazing view of the outdoors as well as a dramatic focal point inside your house. These windows are perfect for those who wish to plant indoor plants.
As with bow windows, bay windows allow more natural light to flood your living spaces. Bow windows are usually fixed (non-operational) unlike bay windows that can be opened for ventilation.
Aesthetics
Bow windows can be a beautiful architectural design feature for both the interior and exterior of your home. They can be set in a variety decorative elements to create an unique focal point that attracts attention and matches the design of your home.
Bow windows are a gorgeous feature to any home. Their style and elegance make them ideal for creating a comfortable window seating area or breakfast space. Bow windows can be covered with an angled curtain pole which allows you to hang curtains or drapes to create privacy. You can even use bifold shutters that are a great option to let in light without compromising the windows' curvature.
A bow window consists of up to six windows of similar dimensions that are angled at 10 degrees. They give your home a more round appearance and can increase the living space in your home by bringing in natural light and expansive views. This kind of window is a fantastic option for homes with plenty of wall space and want to add a striking feature that is a perfect match to their architecture.
Both bay and bow window are great for letting in natural light. This can brighten your living space and decrease the need for artificial lighting during the day. Bow windows are great if you're looking to add an eating area or a seating area to your home because they offer more floor space than bay windows.
Bow windows frames can be made out of a variety of materials like vinyl, wood and fibreglass. You can also combine enhancements like etching internal grids, glass or oak wood grain finishes, and custom paint to create the perfect design for your home.
Natural Light
The curvature of bow windows permits them to let in natural light from many directions. You can regulate the amount of light entering your home by changing the number of window panes and their positions. This provides a vast view and a sense of spaciousness in any space. It also adds a unique feature to the exterior of your house. Many homeowners adore the appearance of these windows because they provide a stunning view of the landscape that attracted them to their homes in the first place.
Like bow windows, bay windows let in more sunlight than flat windows, and give your home a larger appearance. They are ideal for dining rooms or kitchen nooks where additional floor space is ideal for tables and chairs. The windows' arcs can be raised to hip or knee height, allowing an inviting seat with a beautiful view.
Bow windows come with four to six panes based on the space you wish to fill. Shades can be hung over window panes in order to create a cohesive appearance, but still let in the sunlight. Shades such as flat-fold Roman shades or cellular shades, as well as woven blinds can be utilized to create this look.
Which one is best for you? It's based on what you want for your home. Bay windows are more expensive than bow windows and require a bigger installation structure. They can be combined with double-hung windows, casement or picture windows, and you can dress them with various options for roofs, grilles and colors to complement the architectural style of your house.
Ventilation
Like bay windows, bow windows are an excellent choice for those who want to increase the amount of natural light entering your home. They offer this benefit without extending as far from the wall as some other window designs, such as double-hung windows or a casement. They are a great choice for homes with limited outdoor space.
Bow windows also provide ventilation. Since they comprise up to six distinct window panes you can choose to have any number of them open for ventilation. This gives you a wide variety of options for air flow and is especially useful during rainy days.
You can add tilt and turn or side hinged casement windows to your bow window depending on the design. This allows you to have even more options in how you let fresh air in. This can help reduce the necessity for artificial cooling in your home.
You can also hang shades or drapes on your bow windows to personalize their appearance. For instance, you can use a rod that is curved to hang curtains that are in line with the curvature of the window. This creates a beautiful traditional look that will complement your bow window beautifully. Bifold shutters can be used to cover the bow windows when not being used. They can be used to enhance the unique look of a bow window.
The best way to determine if bow or bay windows are suitable for your home is to set up a a consultation with a professional installer in the St. Louis area. Thompson Creek's experts Thompson Creek can walk you through the different options available for both types of windows and also the process of installation and cost.
Energy Efficiency
Bow windows provide the same views and airflow as bay windows, however without protruding from your home in sharp angles. They typically consist of three parts referred to as "lites" and can be fully tailored to your style. They are available in vinyl, wood, and composite materials, each having distinct advantages.
Vinyl, for instance, is durable and inexpensive While composite frames are more environmentally friendly than wood. While you aren't able to stain or paint vinyl, composite frames are easy to maintain and appear similar to wood. Bow windows come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and you can choose from a range of textures and colors that complement your decor. Wood on the other hand provides a natural look and can be customized with various finishes to fit your home.
Regardless of the type you choose, both bay and bow windows improve your home's curb appeal, and can increase the value of your home's resales. Regular maintenance is essential to get the most value of your new windows. Washing glass panels and panes cleaning the hardware, and lubricating moving components can help prevent damage and prolong their lifespan. It's also a good idea to have your windows professionally cleaned and examined on an annual basis for signs of wear or damage.
Energy efficiency is another factor to take into consideration when selecting your bow replacement window. Although they do not open and hinge to the side like double-hung or casement windows, bow windows comprise of multiple glass panes and are protected. This makes them more efficient in thermal performance than other window styles. These windows are also available in ENERGY START certified versions that can help reduce your utility costs. The insulated glass on these windows comes with Low-E coatings that block out the UV harmful rays of the sun and unwanted heat during summer.
Installation
When installed properly, bow windows can make a room appear bigger and add to the overall look of your home. A professional window contractor will carry out the task. This may include modifying the wall to accommodate bow windows, as well as building headers. The process involves a complex frame and drywall construction, and should only be done by a qualified window contractor who has a thorough understanding of building codes and permits.
As opposed to bay windows, bow windows typically don't have a central glass pane that's larger than the frames of the window. upvc windows bow are sized and arranged to fit the space, forming a semi-circle of windows that resembles an open bay without the protrusion. The bow window's curving shape creates a flat, interior shelf that can be used as a seating space or as a way to decorate the space, or as storage. The shelf can be raised to the knee or hip height, which is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
The unique arc of the windows also allows plenty of floor space for chairs as well as tables. Some windows even feature an inbuilt window seat that can be used to read or chatting with the neighbors. Additionally, you'll need to cover the bottom and top of the bow windows using soffits.
The frame is typically made from vinyl or composite materials. The frames are available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. You can also select energy-efficient upgrades or modify the size and details. The contractor will assist you to select the best features that will meet your budget and requirements. He or she will also assist you in determining whether the project needs structural modifications to accommodate the new windows.