Adding Bow Windows to Your Home
Bow windows can be added to your house for stunning views of the outside and an striking focal point for your home. They are also excellent for those interested in cultivating indoor plants.
Like bay windows, bow windows let more light to flood your living spaces. They are typically fixed (non-operational) as opposed to bay windows, which can open to let in more air.
Aesthetics
Bow windows are an attractive architectural feature that can be utilized in and out of your home. They can be framed in various decorative elements to create a unique focal point that draws attention and complements the style of your home.
The curved aesthetic of bow windows is a pleasing view in any home. Their elegance and beauty make them perfect to create a cozy breakfast nook or window seat. Bow windows can be framed with the curved pole of a curtain that allows you to hang drapes or curtains for privacy. You can also use bifold shutters that are a great method to block light without sacrificing the windows' curvature.
A bow window consists of four to six equally-sized windows that are joined and angled 10 degrees. They give a more rounded appearance and extend your living space by letting in light and providing stunning views. This window type is an ideal choice for homes that have plenty of wall space and wish to add an attractive feature that is a perfect match to their architecture.
Both bay and bow windows are great for letting in plenty of natural light, which will help brighten up your living space during the daytime and reduce the requirement for artificial lighting. Bow windows are ideal when you're planning to add a dining area or sitting area into your home since they provide more space for floor space than bay windows.
The frames of your bow windows can be made with a variety of different materials that include vinyl, aluminum, wood and fibreglass. upvc window repairs bow can even combine enhancements like etching internal grids, glass or oak wood grain finishes, and custom paint to create the perfect aesthetic for your home.
Natural Light
Bow windows are curved and allow them to let light in from different directions. You can adjust the number of windows as well as their positions to regulate the amount of light coming into your home. This creates a sense of openness and space in any space. It is also a unique addition to the exterior of your home. Many homeowners are enthralled by the look of these windows since they provide a stunning view of the surrounding landscape that attracted them to their homes in the first place.
Like bay windows, bow windows let in more light than flat windows and provide your home a larger appearance. They are ideal for kitchen nooks and dining areas where there is more floor space welcome for chairs and tables. The arc of the windows can be elevated to the knee or hip height, creating an ideal window seat that provides an amazing view and plenty of light to read or relax.
Bow windows come with four to six panes depending on the area you want to fill. You can put shades on each window pane to create a unified look that lets light flow through. Shades such as flat-fold Roman shades or cellular shades, as well as woven blinds can be utilized to achieve this look.
Both bay and bow windows let in more natural light than normal windows, but which one is right for your home? It's based on the needs for your home. Bay windows are more costly than bow windows, and they require a more substantial structure for installation. You can pair them with double-hung windows or casement windows. You can also combine them with picture frames and decorate them with various roof options, grilles and colors that match the architectural style of your house.
Ventilation
Bow windows are an excellent alternative if you're seeking to boost the amount of natural light that enters your house. They don't extend as far away from the wall as other window styles such as casement or double hanging windows. This makes them an excellent option for houses that don't have a lot of extra space on the exterior of their home.
Bow windows also provide ventilation. You can decide which three to six panes you wish to open to allow ventilation. This provides you with a wide variety of options for airflow and is especially useful during rainy days.
Based on the style you select for your bow window you can also include side hinged casements or tilt and turn windows to allow even more flexibility in the way you can let in fresh air. This can help reduce the necessity for artificial cooling in your home.
You can also hang shades or drapes on your bow windows to make them look more attractive. For instance, you can make use of a curved rod to hang curtains that fit the curve of the window. This gives a stunning traditional look that matches your bow window well. Bifold shutters can be used to cover your bow windows when not being used. They can enhance the unique design of a bow window.
The best way to determine if bow or bay windows are suitable for your home is by scheduling a consultation with an expert installer in the St. Louis area. Thompson Creek's specialists Thompson Creek can walk you through the different options available for both types of windows and also the process of installing them and the costs.
Energy Efficiency
Bow windows offer the same views and air flow as bay windows but without protruding from your home at a sharp angle. They're typically composed of three sections, also known as "lites," and can be completely customized to suit your personal style. They are available in vinyl, composite, and wood, each providing distinct advantages.
For instance, vinyl is durable and inexpensive and composite is more eco-friendly than wood. Composite frames are easily maintained and appear like wood however, you aren't able to stain or paint vinyl. Bow windows come in various shapes and sizes and you can pick from a range of textures and colors to complement your interior. Wood is a natural-looking material and can be customized to suit your home.
No matter what type of window you choose, bay and bow windows can improve the aesthetics of your house and increase the price of resales. Regular maintenance is necessary to get the most out of your new windows. Cleaning glass panels and panes, cleaning hardware, and lubricating moving parts can help prevent damage and prolong their lifespan. You should also have your windows cleaned and checked annually for signs of damage or wear.
When selecting the bow replacement window, you should also consider the energy efficiency. Bow windows are insulated and have multiple panes, in contrast to double-hung or casement windows which hinge and open on the sides. They are therefore more energy efficient than other styles of windows. They're also available as the ENERGY STAR certified versions, which can help you lower the cost of your energy usage. The insulated glass of these windows has Low-E coatings which block out the UV harmful rays of the sun and unwanted heat in summer.
Installation
When properly installed Bow windows, when properly installed, can make rooms appear larger and enhance the overall look of your home. A skilled window installer should be responsible for the installation which could involve modifying the wall to accommodate bow windows as well as constructing a header. The process involves complex framing and drywall, and should only be performed by a skilled window installer with a thorough understanding of permits and building codes.
Bow windows are different from bay windows in that they don't usually have a wider central glass pane than the other frames. Each window is designed and arranged to fit into the space, forming a semicircle of windows that look like the shape of a bay, but without the protrusion. The curving shape of bow windows creates a shelf on the inside which can be used as seating, accenting the room or storage. The shelf can be elevated to knee or hip height, which is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
The unique arcs of windows allow plenty of room for tables and chairs. Some windows feature seats built-in for reading or talking with neighbors. You'll also need to cover the top and bottom of the bow window with soffits.
The window frame is typically constructed from composite or vinyl material. The frames are available in a variety of finishes and colors. You can also select energy-efficient upgrades or customize the size and ornamental details. The contractor will guide you through the selection of features that will best fit your budget and needs. He or she can also help you determine whether the project requires structural changes to accommodate the new window.