Installing a Bay Window: An Overview

What are Bay Windows?

Bay window are windows made of three or more window panes that extend outward from a home to make a curve. They often have center window panes that have flanking window panes attached to the sides at an angle. Because these windows are angled, the semicircle looks angular. The number of window panes depends on how large the homeowner would like the bay window to be. If homeowners want smoother curves, they could choose to have bow windows, which are a type of bay window. They have a similar structure, but their curve is more like a semicircle rather than a polygon.

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Bay Windows?

Homeowners choose to have a bay window because it helps make a small room feel larger. It also gives expansive views of the landscape and allows for more natural light to fill the room. In some cases, it can improve the selling ability of a home. Even with all of these great benefits, there are some drawbacks. According to the writers at Home Focused, www.homefocused.com, bay windows are more susceptible to harsh weather such as rain and snow. These writers go onto say that rain can seep into the joints and cause the wood to rot. Depending on where the homeowners live, they may need to do some additional maintenance if they choose to have a bay window.

What to Consider when Installing a Bay Window?

As with any home improvement project, homeowners should address several considerations before choosing a bay window. Here are some questions from Joseph Truini of This Old House, www.thisoldhouse.com, that homeowners should ask themselves. These questions are especially pertinent if homeowners are installing the bay window themselves.

• What size window?
• What type of sash?
• How will the window be supported?
• Will there be an eave above the window?
• What if there's no eave above it?

Answering these questions can help homeowners decide if bay windows are right for them and plan their projects accordingly.